Terezinha Pacheco dos Santos Lima

Title: The impact of family participation on the recovery of a chemical-dependent individual in a therapeutic community

Abstract

This presentation examines the impact of family participation in the recovery process of a chemicaldependent individual admitted to a Therapeutic Community (TC) in Brazil. Based on a qualitative case study, the work integrates clinical observations, weekly psychological reports, standardized psychological instruments, and family sessions to understand how family dynamics influence treatment adherence, emotional regulation, and vulnerability to relapse.Chemical dependence is a multifactorial condition involving biological, psychological, and social dimensions. National and international studies show that active family involvement in treatment is associated with greater motivation for change, stronger adherence, and lower dropout rates. Conversely, dysfunctional family patterns— marked by ambivalence, emotional distance, or behaviors that reinforce substance use—can increase resistance to treatment and perpetuate the relapse cycle.Therapeutic Communities in Brazil operate using a psychosocial rehabilitation model structured around communal living, mutual support, and experiential learning. In these settings, family participation plays a fundamental role, especially when it occurs in a structured manner focused on communication, psychoeducation, and the establishment of healthy boundaries.The study presents the clinical progress of an adult resident voluntarily admitted to a TC in the municipality of São José dos Pinhais (Paraná state). The participant attended biweekly individual clinical sessions, as well as in-person or online family meetings. Psychological instruments used included BDI, ACSP, SADD, SDS–Marijuana, STAI-T/S, and the Social Support Scale. The resident’s therapeutic journal and institutional observations complemented the qualitative analysis.Results indicate that family participation contributed to strengthening motivation, improving emotional identification, expanding coping strategies, and reducing impulsivity. Family sessions enabled the realignment of expectations, reduction of guilt, and reorganization of roles previously marked by overload or detachment. The presence of a consistent support network was associated with improved adherence, decreased anxiety symptoms, and greater ability to manage triggers and stressors.The study reinforces the importance of integrating family interventions into community-based chemical-dependence treatment programs, highlighting the relevance of psychoeducation, bond strengthening, and the reorganization of relational patterns. The findings contribute to clinical practice and to the field of psychosocial rehabilitation.

Audience Take Away from Presentation:

• Understanding of how family participation improves adherence and reduces treatment dropout.

• Practical clinical strategies to strengthen family involvement in TCs and other services.

• Insight into the impact of dysfunctional family patterns on relapse risk.

• Tools for integrating structured family sessions (psychoeducation, communication, boundaries) into therapeutic planning.

• A qualitative model for documenting clinical progress through therapeutic journals, assessment instruments, and observational data.

How will the audience apply this knowledge?

They will be able to enhance clinical interventions, increase treatment effectiveness, improve family engagement, and develop more efficient psychosocial strategies in chemical-dependence contexts.