Dealing with Addiction

Dealing with Addiction in a Family
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It is not accurate to make the claim that all members within a given family are affected by another member’s addiction or substance abuse. Levanas (2017), claim that one family member’s addiction activities and substance may change the lives of a minimum of four members. The type of effect is highly dependent on a person’s resiliency and experiences. Moreover, the labeling without facts can be reductive. The Wegschneider Role Theory (Levanas, 2017) explains that the use of given roles does not imply that it is a representation of reality but rather helps in understanding how the family system works. There are effective methods that help families to identify and recognize given behaviors amongst other members. These include the Family Training Approach program (CRAFT), family systems therapy, and Al-Anon (Copello et al., 2005).
Various strategies can be used by family members when dealing with a member suffering from substance addiction or any other addictive behavior. Zuckerman and Gagne (2003), recommends adaptive coping by offering social support and integrating self-help. Kelly et al. (2017), notes that open communication with the affected members and supporting them significantly reduces stress and self-blame; hence an effective way of coping with addiction. Investing in family education on how to handle members that are affected or addicted to substance abuse is vital.

Dallery et al. (2015) recommend the use of online and telephone support programs. This ensures that those who are geographically isolated get the information as well. Moreover, privacy is boosted and members can feel safe and open to express themselves. Summarily, families, as well as the substance users, should engage in continuous coping strategies both on their own, with other members and with support groups.
References
Copello, A. G., Copello, A. G., Velleman, R. D., & Templeton, L. J. (2005). Family interventions in the treatment of alcohol and drug problems. Drug and alcohol review, 24(4), 369-385.
Dallery, J., Jarvis, B., Marsch, L., & Xie, H. (2015). Mechanisms of change associated with technology‐based interventions for substance use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 150, 14–23
Kelly, J. F., Fallah‐Sohy, N., Cristello, J., & Bergman, B. (2017). Coping with the enduring unpredictability of opioid addiction: An investigation of a novel family‐focused peer‐support organization. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 77, 193–200 
Levanas, D. B. (2017). Addicted to the crisis: Exploring the symptoms of an addicted work system using the lens of Role Theory. Drama Therapy Review, 3(1), 113-129.
Zuckerman, M., & Gagne, M. (2003) The COPE revised: Proposing a 5‐factor model of coping strategies. Journal of Research in Personality, 37, 169–204.