Bion’s Basic Assumption Groups in the Regimen Treatment of Addictions: Clinical Implications

This article provides reflection on the potential application of Bion’s model of basic assumption groups in patients undergoing midterm inpatient addiction treatment. The clinical implications are discussed in terms of the usability of Bion’s model and its possible benefits for patients in regimen addiction treatment, as well as the pitfalls associated with its application in this treatment modality. Despite the highly theoretical nature of this model, clinical experience to date confirms that analysis of the underlying assumptions and associated protomental patterns can provide valuable insights into the nature of the mental and somatic symptoms for which addicted patients come for treatment.

On the other hand, this approach places high demands on both the therapist and the patient, and the question arises whether the benefit of the self-knowledge that can be gained in this way is proportionate to the effort expended. In this regard, the short duration of the treatment, the inconsistency of therapeutic interventions, and the semiopen format of the groups proved to be the main pitfalls of applying Bion’s model of basic assumptions in the regimen treatment of addictions.