Addiction and the Vulnerable
Modified Dynamic Group Therapy for Substance Abusers

Based on an understanding of the psychological vulnerabilities of addicts, the MDGT model addresses the modifications in psychodynamic technique that are necessary for addicts' needs.

Based on an understanding of the psychological vulnerabilities of addicts, the MDGT model addresses the modifications in psychodynamic technique that are necessary for addicts' needs. It focuses on four main areas of difficulty involving self-regulation; affect, self-esteem, relationship, and self-care problems. Both supportive and expressive, the approach helps group members identify, process, and modify the characterological traits that mask addict's vulnerabilities. With this approach, a well-led group can heighten self-esteem, improve self-care, combat feelings of isolation and shame, and strengthen the individual's capacity for positive change. Concomitant involvement with an individual therapist/counselor is encouraged as a means to support and facilitate the group therapy, especially early in group treatment, and to maintain a flexible individual and group treatment context for self-exploration and understanding. Bringing the model to life are detailed vignettes and transcripts of groups in different phases of recovery. These cases demonstrate techniques, illustrate technical issues, and illuminate major themes that unfold during treatment.

Woody, Luborsky, O'Brien, Childress, McLellan, Foreword. 1.Overview: A. Definitions
B. Assumptions: C. The Focus: Affect Regulation, Relationships, Self-esteem, and
Self-care. 2. Modification Of Psychodynamic Group Therapy For Substance Abusers: A Conceptual Review, with Golden. 3. Cocaine: A Psychodynamic and Clinical Perspective. 4. Orientation to Group. 5. The Early Group. 6. The Brass Heart: Phases of the Group. 7. Unfinished Business: The Group in Crisis. 8. Becoming Vulnerable: Crisis Resolution. 9. Nine for one: Another Crisis. 10. Nora's Story: The Advanced Group. 11. Technique and Technical Issues.