ABSTRACT
While numerous research investigations have explored problems relating to drug abuse, emphasis on the role of the family in these investigations is relatively new. Traditionally, drug abuse was viewed within a medical framework and the majority of research and treatment efforts focused on the individual (Clayton, 1979; Freedman & Finnegan, 1976). Over the past decade, however, research efforts have looked beyond the drug-using individual to determine the role of the family in the initiation and maintenance of drug use. As a result of these efforts, several family factors have been identified that appear to influence drug use (e.g., Glynn, 1984; Seldin, 1972; Stanton, 1979a). In addition, a number of theoretical and methodological problems within the literature have been identified that have limited the conclusions that may be drawn from these investigations. To better understand these conclusions and to identify the most promising areas of future research, we will start by reviewing these theoretical and methodological issues.
