RT Journal
T1 FAmily therapy helps addict
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1979
FD February 9
VO 241
IS 6
SP 546
OP 551
DO 10.1001/jama.1979.03290320006004
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1979.03290320006004
AB An innovative program at a private psychiatric facility in Des Plaines, Ill, is achieving success in the treatment of drug addiction.Perhaps the most significant departure from many other treatment approaches is the near-compulsory involvement of the addict's family, friends, and even employers or teachers in the program.Other components are spiritual guidance, concentration on the present problem rather than on its roots, and a lot of "tough love.""Tough love," says Robert Simon, MD, associate director of Forest Hospital, refers to the expectations that the family develops about the behavior of the addict. When the addiction is hidden, denied, or supported in any way, it is essentially subsidized. On the other hand, if family, friends, and employer no longer justify the addict's behavior, the habit may slowly "spoil." From this, rehabilitation may come.The addict who is admitted to Forest Hospital is regarded as having a primary disease, says