ABSTRACT
The author presents a commentary on the concept of alcoholism as a family disease. He then argues that not all problems affect the rest of the system, so that solution of such a problem need not involve the rest of the system. Similarly, not every problem is definable by forces within the system and may be subject to forces from outside. The author provides a few caveats for the therapist since, on entering the system in any capacity, the therapist takes the risk of becoming part of this ecological system. Various forms of family therapy are reported in favorable terms, but caution is advised. Comprehensive treatment of the patient and his/her family addresses those issues under the familial influence, as well as those issues relatively independent of such influence. One should not be blinded by a single-minded approach in the real world. Lastly, the author briefly touches on the state of art in family treatment at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.
