Exploring a Family-First Approach in Addiction Treatment: A Conceptual Shift.

Typically, addiction treatment starts by focusing on the individual, and family therapy is added later as a supplementary element. This order frequently puts the family in a passive role, reliant on the individual's willingness to participate in the recovery process. This paper introduces a method t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American Journal of Family Therapy Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 427 - 443
Main Authors: Browning, Scott, Schneider, Liora
Format: Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 2026
Subjects:
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: 2026
      vid: 54
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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        10.1080/01926187.2025.2591610
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        atl: Exploring a Family-First Approach in Addiction Treatment: A Conceptual Shift.
      aug:
        au:
          Browning, Scott
          Schneider, Liora
        affil: Department of Professional Psychology Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
      su:
        Substance abuse treatment
        Family psychotherapy
        Compulsive behavior
        Drug addiction
        Social support
        Conceptual structures
        Convalescence
        Health outcome assessment
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        subj:
          Substance abuse treatment
          Family psychotherapy
          Compulsive behavior
          Drug addiction
          Social support
          Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
          Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers
          Other Individual and Family Services
          Conceptual structures
          Convalescence
          Health outcome assessment
      keyword:
        Addiction
        family
        rehabilitation
        systemic approach
        therapy
        Addiction
        family
        rehabilitation
        systemic approach
        therapy
      ab: Typically, addiction treatment starts by focusing on the individual, and family therapy is added later as a supplementary element. This order frequently puts the family in a passive role, reliant on the individual's willingness to participate in the recovery process. This paper introduces a method that draws special attention on empowering the family to encourage the individual with addiction to seek treatment. Addiction operates within a system, and by focusing on the family system the chances of a more permanent recovery increase. The various stages of addiction are linked to the needs of the family during those periods. As shown in the case study, the journey to recovery is challenging and non-linear. At times, progress feels steady, while other moments family members and the individual with addiction fall back into old patterns and unhealthy interactions. However, as highlighted in this case, helping a family come to understand that they are part of a strong support network. Family therapy and strong commitment to the fellowships gives the addicted individual a fighting chance to achieve recovery.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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