Working with the family

Problems families face

1. Setting limits and boundaries2. Financial difficulties3. Legal difficulties4. Poor health5. Dealing with bureaucracy6. Lack of knowledge about disorders7. Confidentiality8. Denial

“Family Intervention Program for Dual Disorders”

1. Connecting-what is the family’s agenda?

2. Assessment of family members• Willingness, readiness to engage• Internal resources• External resources• Mental disorders or S-R disorders• Safety and violence risk

3. Psychoeducation• Information about substance-related d/o’s.• Information about mental disorders.• Self care/mutual support.• Information about drugs and meds.• Resources and how to access them.• Grief and loss

4. Skills training• Communication skills• Setting limits• Educating others re: mental d/o & s-r d/o• Problem solving

5. Termination

Melody Scenario

1. Use the assessment guidelines to identify additional important information you’d want to know about Melody and her family. In other words, fill in the picture.

2. How might you connect with family members?

3. Given your understanding of the family, what topics might you want to focus on in educating them?

4. What skills might this family need to learn?