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- Title
PSEUDOINDEPENDENCE IN ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSE: A FAMILY SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE.
- Authors
Van Schoor, Eric P.; Beach, Roger
- Abstract
Drug abuse is considered in the context of the family struggling with the major developmental task of the adolescent identified patient gaining independence and separating from the family. In families where adolescent drug abuse is a key element, this process of development is usually arrested, and the youth functions in a pseudoadult manner. The drug taking may be seen as a maladaptive solution to the dilemma of separation. Drug-induced pseudoindependence can be seen to serve several functions which maintain an earlier developmental period of relating in the family. Four case examples illustrate these functions. This inimical pseudoindependent level of functioning can be modified by enabling the parent most enmeshed with the adolescent to release him to engage in the real struggle of gaining independence to disengage. Once this space is created in the relationship, the youth no longer needs to maintain a drug-induced pseudoindependent level of functioning.
- Subjects
DRUG abuse; TEENAGERS; FAMILIES; FAMILY systems theory; SYSTEMIC family therapy; FAMILY psychotherapy; PARENT-child relationships; INTERPERSONAL relations; FAMILY relations
- Publication
Family Therapy: The Journal of the California Graduate School of Family Psychology, 1993, Vol 20, Issue 3, p191
- ISSN
0091-6544
- Publication type
Article