Solution-Focused Group Therapy Program for Repeated-Drug Users

Abstract

Solution-focused approach was an effective treatment for drug abuse. Solution-focused therapy at the individual level showed treatment effects on drug users, but the therapy at the group level did not. On the basis of systemic therapies, we developed a solution-focused group therapy program for repeated-drug users in a Japanese prison. Our program was constituted of 12 sessions, all of which aimed to help achievement of clients’ personal goal and development of clients' motivation to change their lifestyle. The program included collaborative structures to manage clients’ aggressive behaviors. Our therapist’s manual facilitated clients’ solution talk and minimized their problem talk in group therapy. The program contents were also discussed from intrapersonal perspectives.