National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Practice Exam

The primary focus of family therapy in addiction treatment is centered on addressing family dynamics and issues that contribute to substance use. This therapeutic approach recognizes that addiction does not only affect the individual struggling with substance use but also has significant ramifications for family members and the relational environment in which the individual exists.

Family therapy seeks to identify and alter dysfunctional family patterns, improve communication, and enhance emotional support among family members. By addressing the underlying issues within the family system—such as enabling behaviors, conflict, or poor communication—therapy aims to create a healthier environment that supports the individual’s recovery efforts. This holistic view is integral to fostering long-term recovery and reducing the likelihood of relapse, as it empowers families to function more constructively together.

The other options, while they may hold importance in the wider context of addiction treatment, do not capture the essence of family therapy in this scenario. Individual patient growth focuses solely on the individual's progress, which may overlook the influence of family dynamics. Creating support groups outside the family could serve as an additional resource but does not directly address internal family issues. Meanwhile, strictly monitoring substance use misses the relational and emotional components that family therapy aims to address. Thus, option B accurately reflects the primary focus of family therapy in the context of addiction treatment