ABSTRACT

TRUTH OR FICTION?

Most individuals do not use psychoactive substances.

Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance.

A family's belief system is an important factor influencing drug use.

Psvchoactive drug use is considered a problem when it causes difficulty in one or more areas of functioning.

Tolerance means a family's acceptance of a member's drug use.

The key to good assessment is developing a trusting relationship with the client.

Denial and minimization should be confronted vigorously when trying to assess substance use and abuse.

Other psychiatric disorders often co-occur with substance abuse.

The continuum of care model suggests that it is important to start with a very intensive form of treatment at the first sign of a substance abuse problem.

Individual counseling is the most common approach to substance abuse treatment.

Participating in AA or other self-help groups increase the chances of a positive substance abuse treatment outcome.

Though family involvement in treatment helps family members deal with stress, if does little to improve outcome for the individual with a substance abuse problem.

Family members can be an effective force in convincing a drug dependent person to enter treatment.

Stanton and Todd found the structural family therapy was an effective treatment for young women who were abusing alcohol.

All family therapists must have the skills to competently assess for substance abuse.