From action to reflection: New depths in psychotherapy with drug addicts

Abstract

The continuously self-destructive behavior of some drug addicts may stir up in the therapist feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and anger. This article explores some of the dynamics of the addict's behavior and some of the pitfalls present in interventions on the part of the therapist which ignore the language of the acting out and which concentrate on crisis and behavior. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the therapist's dilemma and new depths of interventions.