Group Covert Sensitization with Narcotic Addicts (Further Comments)

Abstract

This paper will describe a program of covert sensitization presently being developed at the Narcotic Unit, Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury, Connecticut. Steinfeld has previously reported work with individual narcotic addicts and with groups using the covert sensitization procedure (1970). The present report is based on further work with groups and is part of a broader therapeutic program consisting primarily of a self-help community. There are two such therapeutic communities at Danbury, each housing approximately 50 residents who spend approximately 14 months in an intensive self-help program for narcotic addicts. These men have been sentenced under Title II of the N.A.R.A. Act of 1966. The covert sensitization program is seen as one adjunct to the basic therapeutic procedure which utilizes various forms of groups, i.e., encounters, seminars, and static group (traditional therapy group), as well as other forms of behavioral approaches and sensitivity workshops. Our hope is to offer the resident several tools to help resist the pull toward drugs once he leaves the protective environment of the institution and returns to his community.