NCJ Number
204102
Date Published
September 2003
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This edition of the Therapy Manuals for Drug Addiction offers guidance on the use of Brief Strategic Family therapy for the treatment of adolescent drug abuse.
Abstract
The Therapy Manuals for Drug Addiction series keeps treatment providers updated on the most current scientifically supported approaches to therapeutic interventions. Each manual presents clear and helpful guidance on clinical programs or treatment approaches. This edition of the series offers guidance on the Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) approach to treating adolescent drug abuse. BSFT relies on a family systems approach to therapy that assumes that family members are interdependent and what affects one family member will necessarily affect all family members. Among the strengths of this approach is its focus on self-sustaining change within the family environment of the adolescent; it can be implemented in a short 8 to 24 sessions; it has been evaluated for 25 years and has been found effective at treating adolescent drug abuse; and it is a flexible approach that can be adapted to a broad range of family circumstances. Following the overview of BSFT in chapter 1, the remainder of the manual focuses directly on BSFT as a treatment strategy. Chapter 2 presents the five theoretical concepts that form the foundation of BSFT: context, systems, structure, strategy, and content versus process. Chapter 3 describes the BSFT approach to assessing and diagnosing family systems problems. BSFT focuses on identifying the current family process, such as the nature and characteristics of the interactions within the family. Six elements of family interactions are described throughout the chapter: organization, resonance, developmental stages, life context, identified patient, and conflict resolution. Chapter 4 details how family change is orchestrating using a BSFT approach. The first part focuses on the establishment of a therapeutic relationship, tracking family interactions, and building a treatment plan, while the second part presents strategies for producing change in family interactions. Chapter 5 addresses problems of resistance to treatment and offers intervention strategies for engaging families in the treatment process. Chapter 6 discusses prior research on the effectiveness of BSFT in the treatment of adolescent drug abuse with accompanying behavioral problems. Case examples and guidelines on training counselors in BSFT are offered in the appendices. References, appendix