Adolescent substance abuse: Toward an integration of family systems and individual adaptation theories

Abstract

Adolescent substance abuse is best understood as an adaptive behavior by an individual embedded within a rigid family organization. Substance abuse helps the individual deal with distress associated with family interactions. It becomes a means for raising estimates of self-appraisal and asserting some control over self and the environment. The family is involved in numerous ways in the substance abuse pattern. The fulcrum upon which adolescent substance abuse is poised is stasis in the developmental trajectories of individual and family, It becomes essential to family members to avoid the trauma of separation and individuation. The substance abuser does not become a unique and autonomous adult, but rather maintains a role within the family that has become imbued with special significance.