The impact of addiction on the family system and individuals requires clinicians to have perspectives and approaches that are supportive and affirming. This workshop will introduce learners to family systems theory and its influence on addiction within families. Characteristics of the addicted and traumatized family system will be explored, along with the effects of addiction on the family. The role of grief within the family related to addiction is presented and learners will be presented with key clinical recommendations. Interventions for supporting family members will provide learners with the confidence and perspectives necessary to enhance their clinical work. This training will focus on adult caregiver who have loved one with an addiction.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain the dynamics of the family system in response to addiction.
- Identify at least three effects of addiction on family members and the family system.
- Describe roles that family members assume when addiction is present within the system.
- Explain at least four therapeutic methods of supporting families in navigating addiction.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Explain the dynamics of the family system in response to addiction.
- Family systems theory overview
- Addiction as a family disease
- Homeostasis and imbalance in addicted families
- Dynamics of family adaptation
- Opening case vignette
Objective #2: Identify at least three effects of addiction on family members and the family system.
- Emotional and relational impacts
- Financial and social stressors
- Grief and ambiguous loss
- Trauma within the family system
- Protective vs. risk factors
Objective #3: Describe roles that family members assume when addiction is present within the system.
- Family roles: hero, scapegoat, lost child, mascot, caretaker
- Co-dependency and enabling
- The “Three Rs”: routines, roles, rituals
- Using metaphors (e.g., the mobile) to explain balance
- Practice scenarios (audience participation)
Objective #4: Explain at least four therapeutic methods of supporting families in navigating addiction.
- Structural approaches: clarifying boundaries and roles
- Solution-focused approaches: highlighting strengths and successes
- Strengths-based approaches: resilience-oriented practice
- Grief work and emotional support
- Enhancing communication and problem-solving
- DBT-informed strategies for families
- Clinical recommendations and actionable tools
- Case study application and discussion
Closing Q&A and resources
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: May 31, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com