Interational group therapy with alcoholics.

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Abstract
Over a 3 yr period 3 groups of alcoholics, some drinking, some abstinent, were treated with interactional group therapy, a method which stresses interpersonal relationships in the "here and now". Approximately 90% of those remaining in therapy at least 8 mo. showed some improvement, and over-all the results were comparable with those achieved in a group of neurotic patients. Several clinical problems not encountered in treating other types of patients arose. Among them were a complex relationship with other help-offering agencies, especially Alcoholics Anonymous; the problem of alcohol and the actively drinking member; an unusually high degree of dependency conflicts, rigidity and denial; a marked tendency to assume blame and guilt; avoidance of conflict and sexuality; and the frequency of depression. Long-term interactional group therapy is an effective supplement to abstinence-maintaining programs in the treatment of alcoholics. Typical interactional group therapy methods must be modified to prevent the development of disabling anxiety and subsequent acting-out behavior.

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