Abstract: This volume provides a comprehensive review of the essentials of the Therapeutic Community (TC) theory and its practical “whole person” approach to the treatment of substance abuse disorders and related problems. Part 1 outlines the perspective of the traditional views of the substance abuse disorder, the substance abuser, and the basic components of this approach. Part II explains the organizational structure of the TC, its work components, and the role of residents and staff. The chapters in Part III describe the essential activities of TC life that relate most directly to the recovery process and the goals of rehabilitation. The final part outlines how individuals change in the TC behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally. It is an invaluable resource for all addictions professionals and students. The book describes the contemporary therapeutic community (TC) for addictions as a hybrid, a union of self-help and public support. It is an experiment in progress, reconfiguring the vital healing and teaching ingredients of self-help communities into a systematic methodology for transforming lives. The book’s 25 chapters include data concerning: (1) evolution of the TC and the need for theory; (2) biomedical concepts and the TC perspective; (3) view of the person; (4) physical environment, social organization, work, staff and peers in the TC; (5) program stages; (6) TC models, including privileges and sanctions, surveillance and security, community meetings and the encounter group; (7) individual change, including behaviors, cognitions, emotions, essential experiences and essential perceptions; (8) participation in the change process; (9) internalization and identity; (10) a conceptual framework of the treatment process; and (11) the challenge of evolution in therapeutic communities, including general guidelines for adaptations and modifications. Notes, tables, figures, references, appendixes, indexes