The therapeutic community (TC) for the treatment of abuse and addiction has existed for about 40 years. In general, TC's are drug-free residential settings that use a hierarchial with treatment stages that reflect increased levels of personal and social responsibility. Peer influence, mediated through a variety of group processes, is used to help individuals learn and assimilate social norms and develop more social skills to adapt to real-life situations. TC's differ from other treatment approaches principally in their use of the community, supportive staff, and individuals in recovery. These components aid as instruments to serve as agents of change. This approach is often referred to as "the community method", or "act as if" right way of living. TC members interact in structured and unstructured ways to influence attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors associated with abuse. Many individuals admitted to TC's have a history of eroded unresolved trauma, dyfunctional socio-economic etiquette; lack of consistent educational and vocational skills; or any positive family and community ties. This has been a primary cause for the substance abuse pathology. Rehabilitation for these individuals is initiated by relearning, reestablishing, recreating, and developing healthy functioning of societal survival skills. TC's promote positive self-esteem, character development, and community accountability. For many individuals TC's are their first experience to healthy, orderly,"the right way" of living.
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