The Family in the Etiology and Treatment of Drug Abuse: Toward a Balanced Perspective

ABSTRACT. The role of the family in the etiology of drug abuse may be perceived in a significant proportion of adolescent and young adult substance abusers. This role is presented in the context of a systems and object-relations theory. A composite portrait of these generative types of families is presented in psychodynamic and affective terms, accompanied by guidelines and suggestions for family-based treatment.