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Social Behavior and Network Therapy for Drug Problems: Evidence of Benefits and Challenges

ObjectivesThe paper reports on a qualitative investigation as part of a study of the feasibility of applying Social Behavior and Network Therapy (SBNT) to the treatment of problem users of illicit drugs and their network members. MethodsOpen-ended interviews were conducted before treatment (with 25 focal clients) and after treatment (20 focal clients, 10 network members and 8 therapists). Postinterview reports were analyzed according to grounded theory principles. ResultsThree major domains of discussion were identified: (1) realization of the value of both increasing positive network support for change and decreasing network support for continued drug use; (2) the impact that SBNT could have on network members' understanding; (3) improving open and frank communication about drug use, from focal clients to network members and vice versa. ConclusionsThe analysis supports the conclusion that SBNT is a feasible treatment for problem users of illicit drugs and their networks. Providing network members with information about drug use, facilitating more open communication about drug use, and helping to reduce exposure to social influences that encourage problematic drug use, may be features of SBNT that are more prominent when the problem is one of illicit drug use than when the problem is one of alcohol use. At the same time, challenges for SBNT therapists requiring attention in the future development of the method were apparent; particularly in the areas of communication, conflict, control, and confidentiality.