As part of its ongoing video series, The Meadows presents an 11-part interview with John Bradshaw, world-famous educator, counselor, motivational speaker, author, and leading figure in the fields of addiction and recovery.

In the sixth video of his series, Mr. Bradshaw, Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the use of families as social systems in the treatment of addiction and trauma.

“One of the things I like about The Meadows is that they use the model of families as social systems,” he says, explaining that members of an addictive or abusive family will typically involve the other family members in their behaviors. As an example, he cites a mother addicted to prescription medication. “Family members make excuses for her and assume her responsibilities, thereby becoming codependents in her addiction.”

“At The Meadows, we treat that,” Mr. Bradshaw says. “We want people to understand the family of origin. The Meadows brings the family in, helps the whole family to understand.”

Mr. Bradshaw has been affiliated with The Meadows since 1979, giving insights to staff and patients, speaking at alumni retreats, lecturing to mental health professionals at workshops and seminars, and helping to shape its cutting-edge treatment programs. He also has authored several New York Times best-selling books, including Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child, Creating Love, and Healing the Shame That Binds You.

In other videos in this series, Mr. Bradshaw discusses such topics as the importance of after-care facilities, and the relationship between shame and depression. To view all the videos in this series, visit www.youtube.com/themeadowswickenburg.

For more about The Meadows’ innovative treatment program for addictions and trauma, see www.themeadows.org or call The Meadows at 800-244-4949.