Engaging “Resistant” Families in Treatment. I. Getting the Drug Addict to Recruit His Family Members

Abstract

For family therapy to have any effect in correcting drug problems, the family must obviously be involved. However, such families are often resistant to treatment. This paper describes techniques in working with the addicted member toward recruiting his family for therapy. A sequential approach to the initial interview is presented. Interview rationale, structure, and strategy are outlined, along with examples of common resistances and therapeutic counters. The model and techniques are potentially applicable to other types of symptomatic families as well.