Family Therapy for Treatment of Addictive Behaviors - Coursework Example

Psychology: Family therapy for Treatment of addictive behaviors The family has main duty to play as far as dealing with any health problem is concerned, including but not limited to substance abuse. Thus the work done by family has become a continuing and strong theme of several treatment approaches (Kaufmann &Kaufmann, 1979).The concept of family implies a continuing participation on an expressive level. Thus family therapy therefore is a compilation of the therapeutic techniques that usually shares a conviction in the helpfulness of family-level evaluation as well as intervention. Accordingly a change in any aspect of the system may result in changes in other aspects of the system. Thus there are 2 key purposes for family therapy as far as substance abuse treatment is concerned; first and foremost is to make use of the family’s resources as well as strengths to assist in finding or developing habits to survive without abusing of substances and secondly, to improve the effect of dependency on chemical on both the family as well as the identified patient (IP)(Center for Substance Abuse Treatment ,2004)). The unit of treatment in family therapy is generally the family, or the person within the framework of the family system. Thus the individual abusing substances can be taken as a subsystem in the family, the individual whose indicators have serious repercussions for the whole family. Generally, the familial affiliations in this subsystem are the concerns for therapeutic intervention as well as interest (Morgan & Lizke, 2013). The role of the therapist is mostly to facilitate problem solving meetings as well as discussions, frequently with whole family group or sometimes subsets thereof. However at times it can also be done with a sole member who could or could not be the person having substance abuse disorder (Morgan & Lizke, 2013). There is a difference between family-involved therapy and family therapy. Thus, a family-involved treatment tries to inform families about the correlation patterns that characteristically contribute to the creation as well as continuance of substance abuse((Kaufmann &Kaufmann, 1979).The main difference therefore from family therapy is the fact that family, generally is not necessarily the basic primary therapeutic grouping, and there is no involvement in the family system affiliations. Majority of centers for treating substance abuse provides such a family based educational technique. It is generally limited to psycho education so as to educate the family on abuse of substance, associated behaviors, medical, behavioral as well as psychological consequences of abuse (Kaufmann &Kaufmann, 1979). There are several historical models pertaining family therapy that have been created over the past many decades. These comprise of such models as marriage and family therapy (MFT), strategic family therapy ,structural family therapy, couples therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as solution-focused family therapy. Presently, there are 4 principal family therapy models that are used as the foundations for treatment as well as particular interventions for abuse of substance, these models are; The family systems model –this is mostly based on the concept that families become structured by their relations around abuse of substance. Thus in adoption of abuse of substance ,it is likely for the family to sustain balance(homeostasis).For instance, an individual having disorder in substance abuse may be aggressive and unable to convey feelings unless when drunk. By use of systems model, a therapist search for as well as try to adjust the maladaptive communication patterns (Steinglass et al, 1987). Family disease model-this model examines abuse of substance as a disease affecting the whole family. Members of the family of individuals, abusing substances may grow codependence, causing them to facilitate the IP’s abuse of substance. Cognitive-behavioral approach-this is on the basis of the concept that maladaptive behaviors comprising abuse of substance are usually strengthened via family interactions. Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) is the most recent of the 4 and has incorporated many various techniques emphasizing on relationships amongst behavior, cognition, environmental input as well as behavior (Robert, 2011). The full incorporation of family therapy into treatment of standard abuse of substance still remains comparatively rare. The objectives of family therapy in treating abuse of substance comprise of assisting families to become conscious of their own requirements as well as provision of genuine, lasting healing for members of the family; striving to transfer control to the parental-like figures in a family as well as improvement of communication; assisting the family in making intrapersonal, interpersonal as well as environmental changes impacting the individual abusing drugs or alcohol, together with preventing abuse of substance from progressing from one generation to the next(Robert,2011). The other objectives usually vary, and are dependent on which family member is in substance abuse. There are several factors that most likely account for the helpfulness of family therapy and these comprise of improved communication, accountability determination, and acceptance by the therapist as well as enhancement of momentum for change. The other explanation why family therapy is efficient is because it offers a neutral opportunity where members of a family can meet to resolve their problems. In addition, family therapy is quite appropriate across multiple religions as well as cultures and is generally compatible as far as their bases of identification and connection, acceptance and belonging are concerned(Robert,2011). On the basis of usefulness of statistics for family therapy as well as the consensus panel’s combined knowledge, the panel suggests that agencies involved with treatment of substance abuse together with providers should reflect on how to integrate family approaches, which includes services for children that are age-suitable for educational support in their programs. Additionally, while it is only a small number of studies that have evaluated the cost benefits or rather made a comparison of the expenditure of family therapy in regard to other techniques (for instance, 12-step program, individual therapy and group therapy), it’s only a tiny though growing body of statistics that has established the cost benefits in regard to family therapy particularly for problems related to substance abuse (Robert, 2011). There are other considerations that exist for incorporating family therapy treatment of substance abuse. Thus family therapy for treatment of substance abuse requires management of complex treatment conditions. This therefore means that for instance; specialized strategies may be required so as to take on the IP in treatment. Furthermore, abuse of substance is nearly constantly connected with other complicated life problems, inclusive of mental health problems, cognitive impairment as well as socioeconomic restrictions like one being homeless or jobless. It is at times difficult, also, working across various cultural contexts or discerning readiness for treatment as well as change for individual family member. It such circumstances as these that make significant abuse issues a complex, demanding obligation for not only family therapists but also providers of treatment for substance abuse (Dattilio, Jongsma, &Davis, 2010). Adjustment in the approach used in treatment may be required, and the helpfulness of treatment will be dependent to a great degree on the judgment, cooperation and creativity between and in programs in every field. Another significant issue is appropriateness as well as safety of family therapy. It’s only in very exceptional circumstances that family therapy is not recommended; however there are many considerations of which the concerned counselors must be conscious of. Thus couples or family therapy should not occur unless all partakers have made decision and everybody can raise relevant issues, even if there is a leading family figure that does not desire them discussed. Taking part in family therapy devoid of careful assessment for violence might lead to both poor treatment and possibility of increased abuse. Thus it is the provider of treatment duty to offer a supportive, safe environment for every partaker involved in family therapy (Dattilio, Jongsma, &Davis, 2010). Neglect or child abuse is the other serious contemplation. Any moment a counselor is in suspicion of present or past child neglect or abuse, it is a requirement of the law that there is immediate reporting of the same to the relevant authorities. Domestic violence is also another grave issue amongst individuals with disorders in substance abuse and it must be part of therapeutic considerations. It is actually the most acute anger that contraindicates treatment in family therapy. This therefore means that it is the responsibility of therapists and counselors to evaluate the potential for violence and anger so as to create therapy that can be carried out without putting other family members on risk. Thus when doing the screening interview, it clearly appears that a the life of a child or client is being endangered by a batterer, the treatment provider ought to first take action this situation and if possible, suspend the entire screening interview till the safety of all concerned parties is ensured(Robert, 2011). Important trends indicate that family therapy techniques ought to be thought of more regularly in substance abuse treatment. Though not many studies have been done on effectiveness of this approach; evidence from conducted research shows that treatment of substance abuse that uses family therapy functions best than other treatments that do not. Family therapy thus, increases retention and engagement in treatment as well as reducing the IP’s alcohol and drug use and finally it not only enhances social and family functioning, but also more importantly discourages relapse. References Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (2004). Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No 39.DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 05-4006.Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Dattilio, F., Jongsman, A. &Davis,S.(2010). The Family Therapy Treatment Planner. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Kaufmann, P., & Kaufmann, E. (1979). From Multiple family therapyto couples therapy. New York: Gardner Press. Morgan, O., & Lizke, C. (2013). Family Interventions In Substance Abuse:Current Best Practices. New York: Routledge. Robert, C. (2011). Family Therapy Review:Preparing for Comprehensive and Licensing Examinations. New Jersey: Lawrence Eribaum Associates. Steinglass ,P., & Bennett, L. (1987). The Alcoholic Family. New York: Basic Books. Read More