Addiction Therapy and Treatment: A Systems Approach

Nearly every addict lives in a social system—a family, workplace or community—that enables and supports, often unconsciously, the addict's addiction. Instead of the current addict-focused approach, this model extends treatment to the entire support system, starting treatment with the concerned family members. This model also proposes a single provider, the family recovery therapist, who manages treatment for the addict and the family from the first phone call through the first year of continuous sobriety. This book offers simple recommendations to both addiction treatment providers and family members impacted by this disease. It serves as a beacon of hope for families.