Is involving the family members in the treatment for addiction beneficial?

Abstract

Over the years, addiction treatment progressed to the better focusing on the individual and the change to be made. While families has been put aside, and considered as a peripheral element to the treatment. This qualitative research aims to extend the scope of addiction treatment by taking into account the family members of the substance user. This study was completed with the help of five parents and five recovered individuals, using semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using phenomenology to get a better understanding of each participant's point of view, using Family System Theory and Social Constructionism as the theoretical base for the study. According to the testimonials of the parents, they showed a great interest in getting psychological support from the rehabilitation center to deal with the negative impact of addiction. As for the recovered individuals, they showed a need for the parents to be part of the treatment and participate in some awareness sessions. For them to better understand the addiction and have a wider insight on how to react during and after the addiction, which in fact can help in reducing relapse rates.