VIDEO TECHNIQUES WITH CHEMICALLY-DEPENDENT PATIENTS

This paper describes the use of videotaping as an adjunctive intervent ion in the treatment of substance-dependent patients. In the context o f a cognitive-behavioral treatment extensively modified to work with i nner-city, methadone-maintained cocaine users, videotaping in both ind ividual and group formats is described. Video sessions create an oppor tunity for patients to reflect on their experience, enhance their self -esteem, aid in teaching social skills, and help hard-to-engage patien ts begin to participate in treatment. In order to compete with both th e powerfully reinforcing qualities of cocaine and the extreme degree o f avoidance exhibited by this population, therapy has to provide inten se capturing experiences at the outset of treatment. Patient's reactio ns indicate that the experience they have is captivating and stimulati ng more than most other early therapy experiences. It is additionally concluded that the use of video can be instrumental in addressing the severe psychological deficits of this population that otherwise impede treatment efforts. While the role of video was not independently eval uated for its contribution to patient retention, 62% of patients were retained through completion of an intensive 6-month protocol.