Drugs, adolescents and the family : a study in relationships

Abstract

Adolescence, the transition from childhood to maturity, is a challenging period in the life of the individual. Attitudes prevalent in society, the pill culture, peers and the media increase the pressures on the vulnerable youth. The majority of youth mature, are capable of developing their own identity, and manage to separate themselves from the family, thus becoming responsible and independent adults. Some may find themselves lacking the skills and the inner strength to meet these new challenges and cope with the stress of this turmoil. They withdraw by numbing the pain and seek pleasure with drugs. Blocked in this manner they may seem to refuse to grow up and become enmeshed in family systems which prevent them from growing. New family patterns emerge and both the addict and the rest of the family thrive, caught up in a cycle of dependency. Crisis precipitates a situation whereby family or addict are forced to seek help. Is it a drug problem? Is it the youth's problem? Is it a family problem? Identifying the problem, I shall look at the treatment addicts are offered, and investigate the concepts underlying these structures. I shall focus mainly on the person in treatment within a Therapeutic Community and how the family is involved. I shall argue in favour of a treatment programme which separates adolescents from adults, more family involvement, the development of professional family therapy, and a more comprehensive life skills programme in prevention programmes.