Family Systems Approach to Addictions Research Paper

Family Systems Approach to Addictions
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Family Systems Approach to Addictions
Substance Abuse Treatment through Family based Therapy
According to Eric (2016), Family therapy is healing approaches that hold a belief in intervention and assessment in family level. Like in any other system, family system has varying parts that relate to each other. Therefore, change in one part of the family will cause changes in the other parts.
In his article, “Family Therapy: a Vital Part of Addiction Treatment,” Eric Patterson states that Family therapy uses families’ strength to cause change in diverse problem rage, which include substance abuse. The purpose of family therapy in treatment of substance abuse is to get resources and strengths from family to help develop ways of living free of substances. Family therapy focus on the group rather than the individual and therefore it greatly relies on family support for the treatment to be a success.
Advantages of family based treatment on substance abuse
There are many advantages connected to family based treatment on substance abuse. To begin with, this form of treatment helps the user of substance to become aware of his behaviors and needs. Family based treatment in substance abuse improves the physical and mental state of the family unit. Family based treatment permits members of the family to get self-care intercessions to improve their well-being. It also improves quality of relationships and communication methods. Through this intervention, families avoid behaviors that could trigger further substance use. The treatment is also crucial at addressing co-dependent behavior that mostly hinders treatment. Through this therapy, the affected families assess support and counseling that help discourage use of substances. Lastly, this method is vital since it prevents use of substance from spreading in the family or to affect the future generations (Eric, 2016).
How Family intervention therapy fit within a model of addiction
Different interventions work for varying addiction. Family therapy intervention uses different approaches in different model of addiction.
Motivational Interviewing: This is a conversational style intervention that involves motivating the addict to voluntarily change rather than command the change. Motivational interviewing is crucial since it helps gain the trust of the person and offer understanding and empathy. The method is not confrontational compared to other methods and can work even without direct involvement of the therapist.
Johnson Intervention Model: Johnson Intervention Model is mostly seen on movies and television. It is challenging and difficult and not sympathetic and conversational. A therapist and the family face the addict with the bad acts and caused pain. Its main motivational techniques are to pressure and shame. The addict gets threatened of what will happen if he/she continues using drugs. Johnson model allows the family to give support only if th...