External link, please review our disclaimer.

Research Reports: Therapeutic Community

From the Director

Each year, therapeutic communities (TCs) serve tens of thousands of people with varying degrees of drug problems, many of whom also have complex social and psychological problems. Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has helped document the important role TCs serve in treating individuals with drug-related problems.

Further research is being conducted on the treatment processes in TCs to better understand how TCs work. Links between treatment elements, experiences, and outcomes need to be further studied to fully appreciate and enhance the con-tributions of TCs. NIDA's research program is currently focused on expanding our knowledge of the TC treatment process and improving our understanding of organizational and management strategies to deliver more effective and efficient treatment services.

This Research Report is one of several aimed at providing information on approaches and modalities used to prevent and treat drug abuse. Based on over 30 years of scientific inquiry and observation, this report addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about TCs. Federal and other national resources are listed at the end of the report.

It is hoped that this Research Report will help establish a common framework and understanding about TCs for health care providers, researchers, policymakers, and individuals and their families in need of treatment for drug-related problems.

Glen R. Hanson, Ph.D., D.D.S.
Acting Director
National Institute on Drug Abuse

This page was last updated August 2002.

​Research Reports

This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.

Featured Publication

Featured Publication

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health

National Institute on Drug Abuse   |   6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5213   |   Bethesda, MD 20892-9561

Questions for our staff? E-mail information@nida.nih.gov or call 301-443-1124 (240-221-4007 en español).

Mobile Site