Theory development in a family-based therapy for adolescent drug abuse

Family-based treatments for adolescent drug abuse and related behavior prob lems have been developed and evaluated with success. Empirical support exis ts for the efficacy of family-based treatments, and process studies have be gun to identify mechanisms by which these treatments may achieve their effe cts. This article discusses theory and related clinical refinements in a co ntemporary family-based intervention, multidimensional family therapy. Expa nsions in the theoretical basis of the model are discussed. I highlight 2 a spects of the theory evolution process, resulting in a sharper clinical foc us an intrapersonal development and on adolescents' and families' functioni ng vis-a-vis influential extrafamilial ecologies of development.