This document discusses elements of family systems in the context of addiction. It describes how in families with addiction, normal communication patterns and boundaries become disrupted. Boundaries can become too rigid or permeable, and family subsystems like the parental and children subsystems become enmeshed and unclear. It also addresses how the emotional bonds and natural resistance to change in families can distort and cause dysfunction in families affected by addiction. Recovery aims to reestablish healthy communication, boundaries, and adaptability within the family system.

1. Addiction and family
TIP 39 review

2. Elements of family as subsystem
Complimentarity – refers to the
communication and behavioral
patterns of family members to meet
each others needs. Recovery needs
to address these patterns and
establish healthy communication
pattern

3. Family as a system
Boundaries- in families with addiction,
boundaries can become unclear, rigid and
enmeshed. Healthy boundaries allow for
individuation, are clear and flexible. In
addicted family systems, boundaries can
be too strong or too weak not providing
appropriate structure, expectations, or
communication.
Culture should always be a consideration
in assessing family boundary norms.

4. Family as a system
Subsystems- in families, subsystems exist
to fulfill particular functions. A parental
subsystem (healthy) provides structure and
decision making and children as
subsystem. A further subsystem may be
older children as a subsystem, younger
children as a subsystem. In addicted
families, these subsystems become
enmeshed and unclear, with children
assuming parental roles or not having clear
delineation

5. Family as a system
Enduring family ties- refers to the
emotional bond of families, even
when they are separated. Family
loyalty becomes distorted in addicted
families

6. Family as a system
Change and balance- refers to the
flexibility and adaptability of families.
Tendency in all families is
homeostasis, which can cause
resistance to change. Addicted
families tend to be too flexible or too
rigid without adaptability. In recovery,
the goal is for family to be flexible with
structure and stability.

7. Family traits
Homeostasis- in recovery, family
members may encourage return to
old behaviors in an attempt to restore
homeostasis. Can encourage relapse
either overtly or covertly. Education
about family roles, change process is
important for family to define a new
homeostasis

8. communication
Triangulation- when two members of
family are not having direct
communication and divert attention to
a third person- either in or out of
family. Reduces emotional tension,
prevents conflict resolution and
emotional intimacy. Often present in
families with low levels of
differentiation. Counselors need to be
cautious of becoming drawn into
triangualtion.