Family Therapy Substance Abuse
For this assignment, I focused primarily on family treatment as it relates to substance abuse. Upon doing extensive research on this topic, it became evident that the most common overall treatment for families dealing with substance issues is family therapy. This type of treatment, however, consists of many different models and approaches. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are currently four models being used as the basis for familial therapy and substance abuse treatment. Those four models include: the Family Systems Model, the Family Disease Model, Multi-Dimensional Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Addiction Family Therapy Models - Intervention Support, n.d.).
Treatment Philosophy While each …show more content…
family therapy model has their own philosophies and goals, all types of family therapy also have several things in common. In all of the therapy models below and in the majority of family treatment groups and programs, addiction is viewed and addressed as not just an individual problem, but as a disease or dysfunctional behavior that impacts everyone that lives in the home. With that, all of the treatment modalities described operate under the belief that educating and supporting members of the family, in addition to the individual, is essential in order to effectively make changes and provide a better understanding of the disease and the recovery process to all that are affected by it. (Addiction Family Therapy Models - Intervention Support, n.d.).
Family Systems Model. The family systems model works around the idea that a family unit tends to arrange itself around substance abuse, despite its damaging consequences. The goal of this model is to teach members of the family how to build healthier organizational patterns. For instance, an addicted member may feel that they are unable to express themselves unless intoxicated. Using this model, therapy would focus on helping the family correct this maladaptive behavior together, through things such as adjusted communication patterns or family roles (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Family Disease Model. The family disease model views a substance as a disease that can affect an entire household. This model believes that family members who are not addicted may become codependent on the addict for stability, which may then enable the substance abuse. The goal of the disease model is to treat the family unit by approaching addiction as an illness that can be cured through modifications in behaviors and environment (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy. As the name suggests, multi-dimensional family therapy pulls from many different therapeutic techniques in order to help families become healthier and stronger as a whole. Throughout this multifaceted approach, therapists assess and intervene simultaneously in developmentally critical domains of the substance abuser and family’s life. Cognitive processes, emotions, behaviors, and household environment are all interconnected and addressed using this type of therapy (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy. This type of family therapy is based on the idea that dysfunctional behaviors, such as substance abuse, are reinforced through family interactions. The goal of cognitive behavioral family therapy is to improve family relationships and promote sobriety by correcting the damaging behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to addiction. Through this kind of therapy, members of the family are taught to identify trigger events that prompt addictive behavior and learn to find positive ways to resolve conflict. While this is being looked at as a form of family treatment in this paper, CBT is also commonly used during individual training with the addicted member as well (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Location(s)
In regards to family therapy, several substance abuse treatment centers offer this type of service to families. Beyond that, family therapy can be accessed outside of treatment facilities as well. Families can seek out counselors or therapists in their area that specialize in addiction and substance abuse. Nearly all substance abuse treatment centers offer some type of education or service specifically for family members. In the Chicagoland area, Hazelden, New Hope Recovery, Gateway, Alexian Brothers Center for Addiction Medicine, Kiva Recovery, and Harborview Recovery at Presence Saint Joseph all offer some type of family program that may or may not include family therapy options. These programs vary when it comes to what kinds of services they offer.
Inpatient, Outpatient, or Residential Family therapy is a type of outpatient treatment. This means that at that time, the individual with the substance abuse problem is likely living at home with the family throughout treatment (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Populations Best Served & Costs When looking at family treatment and substance abuse, it is first important to clarify the definition of family.
Research indicates that no single, communal definition of family exists. The meaning of family is completely dependent on different cultures and belief systems. Specifically, in regards to therapy, for practical purposes, most family treatment models allow family to be defined according to the individual’s closest emotional connections. In other words, the client is able to identify who they feel should be included in therapy (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, …show more content…
2004). Family treatment modalities for substance abuse are available to all races, ethnicities, and cultures, however, it is ultimately up to the therapist to work with the family and gain a better understanding of their norms and values (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004). The cost of family treatment varies. Family therapy may be free of charge or accounted for in combination with other services the individual is receiving. In many circumstances, insurance can cover the charges for family therapy. Otherwise, sessions can significantly range in cost depending on the therapist, location, number of sessions, and so on. Sources indicate that outpatient family therapy can cost anywhere from free to three hundred dollars per session (How much does therapy cost? 2014).
Treatment Providers & Service Recommended As previously mentioned, family therapy for substance abuse commonly takes place in either a drug and alcohol treatment facility or at a therapist’s office. Sessions are individualized for each family’s particular situation and needs, however, one hour is the standard time for most family therapy sessions. Each session is led by a clinician that has experience working with substance abuse and families. The number of sessions a family attends is dependent on their needs. It is common for families to attend somewhere between eight to ten sessions over a period of time (Family Therapy Can Help, 2013).
Effectiveness of Treatment In regards to family therapy, research indicates treatment that includes family therapy works better than treatment that does not. Family therapy benefits not only the individual with the substance abuse problem, but also other family members as well. This type of treatment can help to reduce the continued use of alcohol or drugs, discourage relapse, and promote long-term recovery. By making positive changes in a family’s dynamics through therapy, the burden of stress that other family members may feel can be reduced. It can prevent members of the family from also using and abusing drugs or alcohol. Research has found that family therapy can improve how families interact and treat one another (Family Therapy Can Help, 2013). Family therapy is an effective way to help both the individual with a substance abuse problem along with the members of their family that are impacted by it as well.
Pros & Cons In my own professional opinion, I think family therapy is essential when addressing substance abuse problems.
Family therapy models and approaches aim to strengthen every member’s emotional health so the family can thrive. Providing support to family members can increase and promote long-term recovery. I believe some of the pros of family therapy include stronger relationships between family members, preventing other members from acquiring addictive behaviors, helping to create a healthy home environment, and helping family members heal from the destructive effects of addiction. Having said that, I think the main cons of family therapy are the potential cost of it, the lack of availability and research that surrounds the effectiveness of it, and the fact that it is ultimately up to the family how involved they want to be.
Role of the Social Worker The role of the social worker in family therapy is to conduct the sessions in a way that is sensitive to each family’s unique characteristics and situation. The clinician conducting family therapy for substance abuse must meet all professional requirements, including special training and skills. It is the job of the social worker to work with all members of the family to address the thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors associated with the substance abuse problem (Family Therapy Can Help,
2013).
References
Addiction Family Therapy Models - Intervention Support. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2016, from http://www.interventionsupport.com/family-therapy/addiction-family-therapy-models/
Family Therapy Can Help. (2013). Retrieved April 3, 2016, from https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA13-4784/SMA13-4784.pdf
How Much Does Therapy Cost? (2014). Retrieved April 03, 2016, from http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/faq/how-much-does-therapy-cost
Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol. (2004). Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
Treatment Philosophy While each …show more content…
family therapy model has their own philosophies and goals, all types of family therapy also have several things in common. In all of the therapy models below and in the majority of family treatment groups and programs, addiction is viewed and addressed as not just an individual problem, but as a disease or dysfunctional behavior that impacts everyone that lives in the home. With that, all of the treatment modalities described operate under the belief that educating and supporting members of the family, in addition to the individual, is essential in order to effectively make changes and provide a better understanding of the disease and the recovery process to all that are affected by it. (Addiction Family Therapy Models - Intervention Support, n.d.).
Family Systems Model. The family systems model works around the idea that a family unit tends to arrange itself around substance abuse, despite its damaging consequences. The goal of this model is to teach members of the family how to build healthier organizational patterns. For instance, an addicted member may feel that they are unable to express themselves unless intoxicated. Using this model, therapy would focus on helping the family correct this maladaptive behavior together, through things such as adjusted communication patterns or family roles (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Family Disease Model. The family disease model views a substance as a disease that can affect an entire household. This model believes that family members who are not addicted may become codependent on the addict for stability, which may then enable the substance abuse. The goal of the disease model is to treat the family unit by approaching addiction as an illness that can be cured through modifications in behaviors and environment (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy. As the name suggests, multi-dimensional family therapy pulls from many different therapeutic techniques in order to help families become healthier and stronger as a whole. Throughout this multifaceted approach, therapists assess and intervene simultaneously in developmentally critical domains of the substance abuser and family’s life. Cognitive processes, emotions, behaviors, and household environment are all interconnected and addressed using this type of therapy (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy. This type of family therapy is based on the idea that dysfunctional behaviors, such as substance abuse, are reinforced through family interactions. The goal of cognitive behavioral family therapy is to improve family relationships and promote sobriety by correcting the damaging behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to addiction. Through this kind of therapy, members of the family are taught to identify trigger events that prompt addictive behavior and learn to find positive ways to resolve conflict. While this is being looked at as a form of family treatment in this paper, CBT is also commonly used during individual training with the addicted member as well (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Location(s)
In regards to family therapy, several substance abuse treatment centers offer this type of service to families. Beyond that, family therapy can be accessed outside of treatment facilities as well. Families can seek out counselors or therapists in their area that specialize in addiction and substance abuse. Nearly all substance abuse treatment centers offer some type of education or service specifically for family members. In the Chicagoland area, Hazelden, New Hope Recovery, Gateway, Alexian Brothers Center for Addiction Medicine, Kiva Recovery, and Harborview Recovery at Presence Saint Joseph all offer some type of family program that may or may not include family therapy options. These programs vary when it comes to what kinds of services they offer.
Inpatient, Outpatient, or Residential Family therapy is a type of outpatient treatment. This means that at that time, the individual with the substance abuse problem is likely living at home with the family throughout treatment (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004).
Populations Best Served & Costs When looking at family treatment and substance abuse, it is first important to clarify the definition of family.
Research indicates that no single, communal definition of family exists. The meaning of family is completely dependent on different cultures and belief systems. Specifically, in regards to therapy, for practical purposes, most family treatment models allow family to be defined according to the individual’s closest emotional connections. In other words, the client is able to identify who they feel should be included in therapy (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, …show more content…
2004). Family treatment modalities for substance abuse are available to all races, ethnicities, and cultures, however, it is ultimately up to the therapist to work with the family and gain a better understanding of their norms and values (Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol, 2004). The cost of family treatment varies. Family therapy may be free of charge or accounted for in combination with other services the individual is receiving. In many circumstances, insurance can cover the charges for family therapy. Otherwise, sessions can significantly range in cost depending on the therapist, location, number of sessions, and so on. Sources indicate that outpatient family therapy can cost anywhere from free to three hundred dollars per session (How much does therapy cost? 2014).
Treatment Providers & Service Recommended As previously mentioned, family therapy for substance abuse commonly takes place in either a drug and alcohol treatment facility or at a therapist’s office. Sessions are individualized for each family’s particular situation and needs, however, one hour is the standard time for most family therapy sessions. Each session is led by a clinician that has experience working with substance abuse and families. The number of sessions a family attends is dependent on their needs. It is common for families to attend somewhere between eight to ten sessions over a period of time (Family Therapy Can Help, 2013).
Effectiveness of Treatment In regards to family therapy, research indicates treatment that includes family therapy works better than treatment that does not. Family therapy benefits not only the individual with the substance abuse problem, but also other family members as well. This type of treatment can help to reduce the continued use of alcohol or drugs, discourage relapse, and promote long-term recovery. By making positive changes in a family’s dynamics through therapy, the burden of stress that other family members may feel can be reduced. It can prevent members of the family from also using and abusing drugs or alcohol. Research has found that family therapy can improve how families interact and treat one another (Family Therapy Can Help, 2013). Family therapy is an effective way to help both the individual with a substance abuse problem along with the members of their family that are impacted by it as well.
Pros & Cons In my own professional opinion, I think family therapy is essential when addressing substance abuse problems.
Family therapy models and approaches aim to strengthen every member’s emotional health so the family can thrive. Providing support to family members can increase and promote long-term recovery. I believe some of the pros of family therapy include stronger relationships between family members, preventing other members from acquiring addictive behaviors, helping to create a healthy home environment, and helping family members heal from the destructive effects of addiction. Having said that, I think the main cons of family therapy are the potential cost of it, the lack of availability and research that surrounds the effectiveness of it, and the fact that it is ultimately up to the family how involved they want to be.
Role of the Social Worker The role of the social worker in family therapy is to conduct the sessions in a way that is sensitive to each family’s unique characteristics and situation. The clinician conducting family therapy for substance abuse must meet all professional requirements, including special training and skills. It is the job of the social worker to work with all members of the family to address the thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors associated with the substance abuse problem (Family Therapy Can Help,
2013).
References
Addiction Family Therapy Models - Intervention Support. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2016, from http://www.interventionsupport.com/family-therapy/addiction-family-therapy-models/
Family Therapy Can Help. (2013). Retrieved April 3, 2016, from https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA13-4784/SMA13-4784.pdf
How Much Does Therapy Cost? (2014). Retrieved April 03, 2016, from http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/faq/how-much-does-therapy-cost
Substance abuse treatment and family therapy: A treatment improvement protocol. (2004). Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.