The disease of alcoholism has long been known to significantly affect family relationships. Nevertheless, the characteristics and needs of these families are frequently not well understood, and treatment of the alcoholic in isolation continues to remain the norm. Family systems theory can provide a framework for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment which recognizes and addresses alcoholism as a family disease.
Practitioners seeking to develop effective treatment strategies for chemically dependent adolescents confront a literature which is overwhelming in volume and confusing and contradictory in content. The intent of this article is to critically review the literature relevant to this population. Incidence, prevalence, patterns, correlates, and consequences of use are discussed, along with their implications for social work treatment, research, and policy.
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