[New pathways in the treatment of psychologically drug dependent adolescents]

Based on a one-and-half year experience in a small group setting with drug dependent adolescents the change of group structure, the functioning of the group for its members, the leader's position within the group and the therapeutic relationship are analysed. In its beginning the group develops what can be called a "symbiotic group structure". Its transformation into that of a "working group" is the main task of therapy. The underlying processes can be compared with those of the beginning individuation in early childhood. Ego development begins, as M. Mahler and other modern investigators have shown, with the perception of one's own body and its representation in early ego formation. Using self awareness techniques, as we have done, is in this context a theoretical as well as practical well founded approach to the problems of psychic dependence.