A Family Therapy Case Study of Two Youth Clients with Alcohol Problems

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing clients’ drinking problems and changes in clients and their families depending on intervention methods of therapists, focusing on two family therapy cases involving conflicts due to children’s drinking problems. Methods: The study utilized a case study method, allowing for an in-depth examination of the cases. Results: This study found that the factors influencing the children’s drinking problems included personal factors, family factors, and socio-cultural factors. Personal factors were high anxiety and avoidant tendencies. Family factors included issues stemming from the parents’ families of origin, negative parenting styles, dysfunctional communication methods, and a family culture tolerant of drinking. Socio-cultural factors included patriarchal culture and a preference for sons. Conclusions: The findings of this study show a multifaceted analysis of the factors influencing children’s drinking problems and elucidate the cyclic nature of these factors. Additionally, this study is meaningful in providing practical techniques based on family therapeutic interventions for families with children’s drinking problems.