To surrender drugs: a grief process in its own right.

The basic thesis of this article is that addictive substances, because of their need-grafifying and self-medication value, become so central to the life of the addicted person that their absence is associated with a grief reaction. Painful feelings of loss and helplessness accompany drug surrender. This view contrasts with formulations that indicate that mourning experiences observed in recovering persons are specific to and determined by unresolved past losses of loved ones. The author discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the drug-loss grief reaction. Also presented are case vignettes that demonstrate the grief aspects of drug surrender. Finally, the role of brief psychotherapy as a vehicle for helping clients cope with their grief reactions is discussed.