ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a model for working with families who are struggling with the addiction of one or more family members. Beginning with a brief overview of existing research, the chapter presents an exploration of the Family Matters Program, designed to address the needs of family members, and to create an emotional environment that is conducive to supporting recovery and ongoing sobriety. The program is divided into six modules, each of which focuses on a pertinent aspect of BFST and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The reader is introduced to an approach that is based on family systems thinking and that offers an important adjunctive treatment to the current individual-focused SUD treatment model. Each module is reviewed with an emphasis on the underlying theme and how it is applied to families struggling with addiction.
