3rd Edition
Substance Abuse and the Family Assessment and Treatment
This fully updated third edition of Substance Abuse and the Family demonstrates what it means to view addiction through a systems lens by considering biology and genetics, family relationships, and larger systems.
Michael D. Reiter illustrates how to examine a person’s predilection to become addicted, their social environment around substance use, the functionality of their family, and various treatment options. Chapters are organized around two sections: Assessment and Treatment. The first section pays attention to how the family system organizes around substance use and abuse. Here family roles, culture, and other issues such as family violence and resilience are covered. Two chapters are also included on the neuroscience and genetics of addiction. There are also chapters on roles of family members in addicted families, using genograms, and working in a culturally-sensitive way, with culture-specific consideration paid to Black, Hispanic and Latin American, Asian American, and Indigenous families. A separate chapter examines issues faced by both youth and adult children of alcoholics. The second half of the book explores what a systems orientation means in practice and goes over self-help groups for individuals and families. An overview of the major family therapy theories is included, which examines intergenerational, experiential, communication approaches, strategic, systemic, and post-modern models. New to this edition is a chapter on trauma and stigma and its relationship to addictions and substance use and abuse. Each chapter has been updated with cutting-edge research, additional figures to enhance concepts, as well a case application to demonstrate and apply each chapter’s ideas.
Intended for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as beginning practitioners, this text provides one of the most in-depth examinations on the topic available.
Part 1: Assessment
1. Conceptualizing Addiction
Michael D. Reiter
2. The Neurobiology of Addiction
Jamie L. Tartar, Julius Thomas and Christina M. Gobin
3. The Genetics of Addiction
Jamie L. Tartar and Christina M. Gobin
4. Families Dealing with Addiction
Michael D. Reiter
5. Roles in the Family Dealing with Addiction
Michael D. Reiter
6. Family Life Circle
Michael D. Reiter
7. Issues in Families Dealing with Addiction
Michael D. Reiter
8. Trauma and Stigma
Michael D. Reiter and Dawn Shelton
9. Family Diversity and Substance Abuse
Michael D. Reiter
10. Behavioral Addictions
Myron Burns and Michael D. Reiter
Part 2: Treatment
11. Systems Theory
Micael D. Reiter
12. Working with Partial Systems
Michael D. Reiter
13. Family Therapy Overview I
Michael D. Reiter
14. Family Therapy Overview II
Michael D. Reiter
15. Family Therapy Application
Michael D. Reiter
16. Family Recovery
Michael D. Reiter
17. The Self of the Family Therapist
Michael D. Reiter
Biography
Michael D. Reiter, PhD is an LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, 30-year therapist and a full-time faculty member for over 25 years. He currently teaches and supervises at Capella University.
"This groundbreaking text goes beyond individual pathology to explore the intricate web of family dynamics that influence addiction. From neuroscience to cultural considerations, Reiter masterfully weaves together a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue. This book is an invaluable resource for students, clinicians, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and its impact on families."
Pei-Fen, PhD, LMFT, director of CFT Ph.D, program / associate professor, department of Couple and Family Therapy, Nova Southeastern University
"Substance Abuse and the Family is an outstanding contribution to family therapy literature and aptly captures the intricacies of working with families impacted by addiction. Reiter skillfully blends research, systemic theory, psychobiology, and practical interventions, empowering readers to approach substance abuse in families with clarity, empathy, and evidence-based interventions. Accessible, practical, and profoundly insightful, it equips therapists to address the complex dynamics of addiction on families."
William F. Northey, Jr, PhD, LMFT, clinical director of the Bellefonte Center for Children and Families, chair of the AAMFT Substance and Other Addicitive Disorders Topical Internet Network
