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The Role of Death in the Addict Family
Author(s) -
Coleman Sandra B.,
Stanton M. Duncan
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.1978.tb00499.x
Subject(s) - family member , addiction , meaning (existential) , psychology , drug addict , psychiatry , medicine , psychotherapist , family medicine
Drug addiction is a potentially life‐threatening problem with suicidal ramifications. Within the family of the addict, the addiction takes on a special, participatory meaning; the addicted member is treated as one undergoing a slow death. These families attach special significance to death and give it considerable emphasis. This appears to arise from unresolved and premature deaths experienced by the family, particularly the parents. The addict is substituted for the deceased member. Treatment can deal with these issues directly through making the mourning explicit. The death issue can also serve as a vehicle for family change.