Working in the Conflict-Free Sphere: Adaptation Group in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Abstract

Many studies have been published on various types of psychoeducational group therapy in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), but none has ever addressed the issue of group therapy for new beginners, despite the fact that the initial period following the cessation of drug abuse holds promise for many significant changes in an individual's lifestyle and behavior. This article presents an integrative group model for patients newly enrolled in MMT based on a psychoanalytic conceptualization of Hartman's ideas on adaptation and on Winnicott's contributions about transitional phenomena. The adaptation group includes 10 sessions that relate to significant issues in patients’ lives during the recovery process, among them medical information about methadone and addiction-related diseases, prevention of relapse, and anger management. The special characteristics of this group are discussed in the context of specific issues concerning the treatment of MMT patients.

KEYWORDS:

• methadone maintenance treatment (MMT)
• adaptation
• psychoeducation
• curative factors
• recovery

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Zila Gitman, Zehavit Mendelson, Yoni Nitsan, and Smadar Yavor. Ester Eshkol is thanked for editorial assistance.