Family members are encouraged to emotionally separate themselves from the substance by detaching themselves from the problem to minimise distress and maximise coping skills. With this style of therapy, the family members are taught that there is nothing that they can do to stop their loved one from using the substance other than to stop enabling them through doing things that actually help the family member keep the alcohol abuse or dependency active. It is important for the therapist to conduct separate treatment for the family members and the alcohol user (Fals-Stewart, O’ Farrell & Birchler; 2006).
2. The family systems approach assumes that there is a reciprocal relationship that exists between the family functioning and the alcohol use. The approach believes that the development of substance use occurs when an individual member of the family is having challenges managing important developmental issues within the context of their family environment (Fals-Stewart, O’ Farrell & Birchler, 2006).
It is important for the therapist to gain understanding of the function of alcohol use in order to explain to the family the development of the behaviour and the function it serves. Techniques that are used to achieve this include joining to promote rapport with the family by making a connection with each member of the family and increase reception to therapy by promoting areas of strength in the family.
For example:
A family of four; mum, dad, Sophia and Tia have presented for treatment because dad is an alcohol abuser. The therapist may facilitatejoining in the following:
Therapist: “Mum thank you for being here today. It is important that we all take part in this treatment. And you Sophia, your father must be proud of you for being such a good girl. Tia, your mum has told me that you help her a lot around the house. That is wonderful. Dad, you have such a great family”