Relapse Prevention and Coming to Terms with Negative Family of Origin Experiences

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION3

Summary4

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE6

Theory6

Family of Origin8

Family of Origin Experiences and Prevention, Treatment, and Relapse9

REFERENCES15

INTRODUCTION

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report which was released in September 2010, drug use in the United States has increased; an alarming reversal of the downward trends since 2002 (National survey on drug use and health, 2010). Prevalence rates of alcohol abuse in the U.S. did not fare any better. Alcohol use disorders have increased by 67% in the last ten years (Verges, Littlefield & Sher, 2011). Research by King and Vidourek, 2011 reveals that 25% to 30% of our nation's youth, under the age of 18, report binge drinking i.e., the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks in one session. In addition, one-third of the youth surveyed reported using marijuana in the past month (King and Vidourek, 2011). These figures are important because the earlier one uses drugs and alcohol the higher the risk factor for substance addiction later in life. Drugs and alcohol misuse pose a serious social and financial threat to the individual, the family and society. Thus, the prevention and treatment of substance abuse are vital areas of concern for mental health professionals. Traditionally, the approach to substance and alcohol abuse incorporates three phases of intervention: prevention, treatment and recovery (Office of National Drug Control, 2010). Even though treatments are continually being improved, they are not producing robust results we would like to see (Kashani and Fallahi, 1987). For example, numerous research studies reveal relapse rates of 75% within 3 to 6 months of treatment (Hovestadt and Anderson, 1985).

A body of evidence is emerging that links negative affect with family of origin experiences; particularly negative experiences (Hovestadt and Anderson, 1985). Clinical evidence of this idea includes research by Hall (2010), which states, people who recount negative family of origin health report greater consumption and abuse of alcohol.Searight et al. (1991) found that people who relapse demonstrate unresolved family of origin issues and tensions. In addition, Fine (1988) has concluded that people who have not come to terms with their negative family of origin issues demonstrate higher levels of negative affect and state levels of anxiety, both components linked with relapse. Kelly et al. (2010) report contemporary substance abuse does not do an effective job in reducing negative affect or facilitating an addict's ability to come to terms with any negative family of origin issues. In fact one identified trait of people who relapse is a problematical time coming to terms or emotionally separating from their family of origins, resulting in troubling deficits of self-esteem (Klein, Elifson, and Sterk, 2010).

The theoretical lens that will guide this study is Family of Origin Theory. According to Hovestadt et al, (1985), a person who has suffered negative family of origin experiences and has not come to terms with them, remains unaware of the negative influences these issues have on their current life circumstances and ...