U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Family Systems Theory and Adolescent Substance Abuse: A Proposal for Expanding the Role of the School

NCJ Number
127791
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 57-76
Author(s)
J C Wight
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This document proposes a 2-fold program for the expansion of the school's role in the identification and rehabilitation of the substance-abusing student.
Abstract
The program is based on a treatment modality that is used in the field of drug dependence: the family systems model. This model includes two basic concepts: (1) Adolescents are integrally involved, both physically and emotionally, with their families and much of their behavior is in reaction to family dynamics; and (2) Successful intervention must include not only the chemically-dependent adolescent, but his or her most powerful social unit as well: the family. Using this model, the school can expand its effort to combat drug abuse by (1) having teachers, administrators, and support staff work as a team to identify students with alcohol or drug-related problems; (2) using the family systems model when referring the student to a treatment center; (3) continuing to be a partner in the recovery process and assist the family system; (4) developing workshops for parents on an ongoing basis; and (5) incorporating itself into the family system. 31 references (Author abstract modified)