FORMATIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION AND MILIEU THERAPY WITH ALCOHOL ABUSERS.

The article presents a study which aims at evaluating presumably therapeutic components within a therapeutic community in terms of received helpfulness by patients and staff of an alcohol treatment unit. Eighteen male patients and 18 staff members participated. A nonparametric statistic was used as an index of treatment philosophy articulation or degree of value-sharing. A core of activities valued congruently by patients and staff was identified. A decision was made on the basis of all the information at hand to modify the activity to make it psychologically therapeutic. Art therapy, with a structured format and individualized feedback, was substituted for art classes. Patients recognize its value as one component in the overall program, and so there is better attendance and less dissatisfaction.