Family Systems Approach to Addictions

Read the Family Systems Approach to Addictions Scoring Guide to learn how the instructor will evaluate your assignment.

For this assignment, consider one of the optional articles listed for this unit, or locate a peer-reviewed journal article in the Capella library that discusses the application of a family systems approach to a specific addiction (substance use disorder or gambling disorder).

You will notice that some articles describe treatment interventions from a systemic viewpoint that focuses on the family unit rather than on the individual for treatment interventions.

In contrast, others will describe systemic interventions that are intended to be among the treatment modalities (such as individual and group) that will be included as part of treatment for addiction for a clearly identified individual client.

Considering the systemic interventions described in the selected article, analyze the following:

What may be advantages or disadvantages of the systemic intervention based upon whether the family or the individual is the focus of treatment?

How does the intervention fit within a model of addiction? (See Unit 2.)

How applicable is the intervention to diverse families and couples?

Note that additional scholarly literature will be needed to support your analysis.