How can I help? This question led me to begin my own investigation into the field of addiction recovery. I was surprised to find that although there were many ways to work directly with addicts and alcoholics, the industry was lacking in family-focused services. Almost all of the services available were focused on the addicted individual, and required them to be present or part of the counseling process. There were not many family-specific services available, and so I found my niche.
It was immediately apparent that I would have to offer a very different approach than what existed if I wanted to create different outcomes. I wanted to be effective, and I wanted to know that I could help any family that called — not just the ones that could convince their struggling child or loved one to come see me.
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Chapter 36 continues in the full book. Unlock all 38 chapters, audio narration, bookmarks, and notes.
Key ideas in this chapter
- The unique family-focused approach that doesn't require the addicted person's participation
- How family healing creates stronger support systems
- The family contract intervention for adolescents
- Why working with families is more effective than trying to convince the addicted individual
"Because I want to have a larger impact on that person's life - a whole chapter, maybe - I look to the family, who plays a role in the entire book."