A descriptive account is given ofthe operation of one ofthefirst Concept-Based Therapeutic Communities to be estabtished in the U.K. The concept of a totat institution was found useful to understanding the practice of the program. The first 100 residents admitted to the house were followed up mainly by personal interview once the majority had left the house for al least six months. Overatl, the achievements ofthe house were simitar to those of Concept houses in the U.S. Onty a minority ofatt admissions completed the program and the majority of these were recruited onto the staff or left to work in similar houses. Of all admissions, about one third seemed, over the fottow-up period, to have abstained or to have used drugs less intensely than prior to their admission. Abstinence and infrequent drug use atfo.ttow-up were related to employment and the absence of criminal conviction. Factors associated with outcome are presented and discussed. Some concern is expressed about alcohol use among program graduates and those abstaining from other drugs.

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