Multiple Family Group Therapy in a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre

Abstract

Higher Ground as a Therapeutic CommunityHigher Ground was established in 1989 in Auckland (New Zealand) and provides a 25-bed, four-month residential, 12-Step-oriented therapeutic community for people with severe dependency on drugs and alcohol. The residents who were admitted to Higher Ground had a primary diagnosis of Substance Dependence Disorder. The diagnosis was made prior to admission by a trained and experienced social worker and reassessed by a clinician psychologist once admitted. The criteria were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (2000) and included at least three or more of the following: tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance of choice, taking the substance in larger amounts and over longer periods than intended, unsuccessful attempts to reduce substance intake, a large amount of time spent on obtaining the substance or overcoming the aftereffects, reduced social activities as a direct result of substance use, and continued use despite negative consequences. Residents were required to be abstinent from alcohol and Central to the effective facilitation of the groups are principles of restoring self-directed vicarious learning, improved communication skills and suppor t.

Multi‐Family Therapy with a Reflecting Team: A Preliminary Study on Efficacy among Opiate Addicts in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

“…The group has, thus, become a mainland where fears, guilt, and anguish can be addressed. It appears that the participation in the therapy groups facilitates new coping strategies while establishing a community of shared experiences (Schaefer, ). The families are able to overcome a great part of their stigma and feel useful to other families; thus, multiple perspectives on addiction and its management appear (Kaufman & Kaufman, ).…”

“…However, none of the many experiences of multi‐family work culminated in empirical studies in favor of these therapy work methods. However, as Schaefer () notes, all contain the guidelines for the work in multi‐family therapy groups.…”

“…From the mid‐nineteen–eighties to the mid‐nineteen–nineties, we found only a few publications on multi‐family group therapy. Multi‐family group therapy has been identified as a treatment model for the abuse of alcohol and other drugs (Schaefer, ). All of the members of the group have the chance to give and receive information on strengthening their own family ties (Springer & Orsbon, ).…”

“…The families are capable of learning from one another, and they have the opportunity to improve their communication skills (Kaufman & Kaufman, 1979;Scholz & Asen, 2001). Although it is necessary to continue developing the model and applying it in the field of addictions, some studies have already proven its effectiveness in improving both patients and their families (Boylin, Doucette, & Jean, 1997;Conner et al, 1998;Henggeler et al, 1991;Kooyman, 1993;Schaefer, 2008;Springer & Orsbon, 2002).…”

Thematic review of family therapy journals in 2008

“…In 2008, for a range of conditions, multiple family therapy continued to be the focus for development. Schaefer (2008) described the Higher Ground Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Trust programme in Auckland, New Zealand. This is an eighteen-week residential multifamily therapy programme for people with severe substance abuse problems which focuses on developing better communication patterns and better boundaries between family members, fostering mutual support, and promoting self-responsibility.…”