As programme participants progress through the stages of recovery, they assume greater personal and social responsibilities in the TC, in addition it is not uncommon for program participants to take on leadership roles or join the TC staff after completion of their treatment process – photo: Shutterstock

Document produced by Dianova International, in collaboration with Asociación Proyecto Hombre

Definition

“Strongly oriented towards mutual aid, the therapeutic community (TC) model is based on a method that pursues cognitive and behavioural change in the person with addictive disorders, and in which group therapy is a fundamental component. This model, which is constantly adjusted and revised, considers participants as essential actors of a community work designed to guide them towards processes of socialization, and identification and repair of damages through various protocols and pre-established stages. The ultimate goal of TCs is to achieve a full reintegration of people into society.” (De Leon, 2004).

Goals

To address participants’ addiction problems in an intensive and comprehensive fashion, with activities of a psychotherapeutic, occupational, socio-educational, and medical-health nature. To foster personal abilities, the development of social and emotional skills, social support, and social and vocational integration; and to enable participants to become self-fulfilled individuals and constructive members of society.