Michael F. Barnes
Unlike most books on families and addiction that provide prescriptive advice, When The Solution Becomes the Problem takes a different approach. This book partners with families, aiming to help them understand why implementing expert recommendations can be so challenging. By delving in the 'why,' families gain insights into their current crisis and the factors contributing to it. The book’s primary goals are twofold. Firstly, it aims to provide comprehensive information on addiction and trauma, drawing from scholarly literature while presenting it in a family-friendly style with relatable stories and clinical descriptions. Real-life scenarios woven through the chapters allow readers to recognize themselves and their family’s circumstances from fresh perspectives. Secondly, the book encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to growth, healing, and positive change for the entire family system. Divided into two parts, the educational section offers insights into addiction as a chronic, progressive disease that hijacks the brain’s reward system and impairs a loved one’s self-awareness of their problem. The trauma chapters introduce readers to a continuum of traumas, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Transgenerational Trauma, Complex/Developmental Trauma, and Secondary Trauma arising from living with a loved one struggling with addiction and trauma. The second part of the book expands on resilience as both an individual and family process, exploring the dynamics of change, improving communication, and the path to family healing. These chapters provide practical steps empowering individual family members to effect positive changes that ripple into transformative shifts for the entire family. The book guides families in supporting their loved ones’ journey to recovery and reintegration into the family with full membership. Ultimately, the book aims to guide families away from the perspective of 'we are a family with a loved one who struggles with addiction' towards embracing the identity of 'we are a family in recovery from addiction and trauma.' By fostering understanding, empathy, and actionable guidance, this book seeks to empower families to break free form the cycle of addiction and trauma, promoting healing and a renewed sense of togetherness.
