Substance Abuse and the Family: Assessment and Treatment

by Michael D. Reiter

Overview

In this updated edition of Substance Abuse and the Family, Michael D. Reiter examines addiction through a family systems lens which considers a range of interconnected contexts, such as biology and genetics, family relationships, and larger systems.

Chapters are organized around two sections: Assessment and Treatment. Examining how the family system organizes around substance use and abuse, the first section includes contributions on the neurobiology and genetics of addiction, as well as chapters on family diversity, issues in substance-using families, and working in a culturally sensitive way. The second half of the book explores various treatment options for individuals and families presenting with substance abuse issues, providing an overview of the major family therapy theories, and chapters on self-help groups and the process of family recovery.

The second edition has many useful additions including a revision of the family diversity chapter to consider sexual and gender minorities, brand new chapters on behavioral addictions such as sex and gambling, and a chapter on ethical implications in substance abuse work with families. Additional sections include information on Multisystemic Therapy, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Twelve-Step Facilitation. Each chapter now contains a case application to help demonstrate treatment strategies in practice.

Intended for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as beginning practitioners, Substance Abuse and the Family, 2nd Ed. remains one of the most penetrating and in-depth examinations on the topic available.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032762265
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/12/2025
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	438
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael D. Reiter, PhD, is Professor of Family Therapy in the Department of Family Therapy of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. Michael is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has authored eight previous textbooks, 18 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has presented at national and international conferences on various aspects of family therapy.

Table of Contents

About the Contributors

Preface

Part I: Assessment

1. Conceptualizing Addictions

2. The Neurobiology of Addiction

3. The Genetics of Addiction

4. The Addicted Family

5. Family Diversity and Substance Abuse

6. Roles in the Addicted Family

7. Family Life Cycle

8. Issues in Substance-Abusing Families

9. Behavioral Addictions

Part II: Treatment

10. Working with Partial Systems

11. Ethics in Substance Abuse and the Family

12. Family Therapy Overview I

13. Family Therapy Overview II

14. Family Therapy Application

15. Family Recovery

16. The Self of the Family Therapist

References

Index

Editorial Reviews

"This second edition is a must for any therapist wanting a broader and more inclusive perspective on working with persons struggling with substance use. The additions, namely, the expansion of family diversity to include sexual and gender minorities, the neurobiology of addictions, motivational interviewing, ethics, expansion of treatment models and case application, offer a comprehensive text relevant for therapists-in-training and seasoned therapists seeking continuing education. Dr. Reiter’s years of wisdom as a therapist and academic is evident throughout the book and especially in the self-of-the family therapist chapter that addresses issues crucial for growth and sustenance. Highly recommended!"

Joyce Baptist, PhD, LCMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

"Down-to-earth and comprehensive, Substance Abuse and the Family (2^nd ed.) allows you to grasp the nuts and bolts of assessing and treating individuals and families dealing with substance abuse issues. In this second edition, Reiter takes us to the crossroads of neurophysiological, genetic, cultural, ethical, relational, and risks factors of addiction. Providing hands on information for clinicians and students, Reiter exemplifies various family therapy approaches that might contribute to the process of recovery. One of the useful tools this book provides is applying each chapter’s concepts to a standard case, which helped bring the concepts to life."

Jimena Castro, PhD, Assistant Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University

"This second edition is a must for any therapist wanting a broader and more inclusive perspective on working with persons struggling with substance use. The additions, namely, the expansion of family diversity to include sexual and gender minorities, the neurobiology of addictions, motivational interviewing, ethics, expansion of treatment models and case application, offer a comprehensive text relevant for therapists-in-training and seasoned therapists seeking continuing education. Dr. Reiter’s years of wisdom as a therapist and academic is evident throughout the book and especially in the self-of-the family therapist chapter that addresses issues crucial for growth and sustenance. Highly recommended!"

Joyce Baptist, PhD, LCMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

"Down-to-earth and comprehensive, Substance Abuse and the Family (2^nd ed.) allows you to grasp the nuts and bolts of assessing and treating individuals and families dealing with substance abuse issues. In this second edition, Reiter takes us to the crossroads of neurophysiological, genetic, cultural, ethical, relational, and risks factors of addiction. Providing hands on information for clinicians and students, Reiter exemplifies various family therapy approaches that might contribute to the process of recovery. One of the useful tools this book provides is applying each chapter’s concepts to a standard case, which helped bring the concepts to life."

Jimena Castro, PhD, Assistant Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University

From the Publisher