The second theme was participants’ shared pessimism about the efficacy of the treatment provided in this intimidating and punitive world. Nurses and patients alike questioned the ability of the hospital to help patients. The patients described being assigned to group therapy that did not address their illnesses. For instance, a patient admitted for alcohol abuse was placed in a group for people with depression and suicidal thoughts. Another patient, seeking help for bipolar disorder, was assigned to a group for people dealing with substance abuse. One patient described the atmosphere of a group session he attended: