ABSTRACT
We have described a way to work with families in which drug abuse is a problem that is different from many approaches to treating chemical dependency. With its focus on resiliency and solutions, rather than weaknesses and problems, this approach offers a more engaging, collegial, positive counseling experience for both the family and the counselor. So far, we have focused on finding a family's previous exceptions and solutions to both alcohol and drug abuse, and to the concomitant family problems that serve as a context for substance abuse. This process takes place in two stages. During the first stage of counseling, relationships are formed with the family and the specific interactional patterns that contribute to the substance abuse are identified. Finally, the counselor helps the family set goals that will lead to a future without drugs and alcohol. In stage two, the interactional patterns that were previously identified are disrupted, using solution-focused techniques of searching for exceptions and previous solutions, and then enlarging the influence of these exceptions.
