FAMILIES IN TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

A review of the literature on family therapy of alcoholism considers reasons for involving the family, treatment methods, theoretical perspectives and the research value of the studies. No single definition of family therapy emerges. Individual, conjoint and group treatment are all practiced before, during, after or without hospital care. The alcoholic''s spouse is most often included in treatment but sometimes children and other family members are involved. No single theory underlies family therapy. Alcoholism is alternately viewed as the cause or the consequence of the family''s problems. The drinking problem is sometimes traced to the personality needs of the alcoholic and the spouse and sometimes is seen as a response to tension within the family system. There does seem to be agreement on the advantages of involving the family in the treatment. The whole family benefits by increased understanding of family problems and of each other''s needs. The lack of data in the available reports makes it impossible to conclude that family therapy is as good or better than other forms of alcoholism treatment. Family therapy, either alone or in conjunction with other forms of treatment, can be beneficial for both the alcoholic and the family.