ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the basis for using a Gestalt Therapy approach in drug treatment, and an account of its use with individuals and groups within a drug treatment program. The basic philosophy behind the Gestalt therapeutic encounter lends itself to working with drug addicts. An effective therapeutic treatment for drug addiction is being sought. The personal issue relating to the therapist is just the beginning in approaching the avoidance of contact. The drug addict has other motives in keeping that wall between them and the therapist. The addict starts to realize he has other alternatives than shooting-up. In Gestalt “operational” terms is their inability to deal with the “topdog-underdog” conflict. The topdog in this case is that part of the patient setting up unrealistic goals. Along with the avoidance of interpretations by the therapist and relying on the patient to take responsibility places the emphasis on self-support which should extend beyond the therapeutic situation.
