ABSTRACT
Family therapists are well aware that family members are intimately involved with the addictive experience of one of their members. Addiction, however, is a problem that usually cannot be confined to the family and extends itself to the larger community. The purpose of this chapter is to articulate an important reminder, namely, that therapists need to be aware that community contexts are involved in the therapy, and that these “others” may function very much like consultants. That is, they are involved administratively in the counseling process, they influence the therapeutic relationship, and they have a significant impact on the outcome of treatment.
