Internal Family Systems and Substance Abuse

 

By Melissa Collins-Porter

Melissa is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee who is currently enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University’s Masters in Applied Clinical Counseling program. Melissa received a B.A. in Communication from UC San Diego and an M.A. in Film from SDSU. Melissa taught as an adjunct at MiraCosta for 20 years in the Department of Theatre and Film. After the COVID lockdown, she noticed that many of her students were struggling with mental health and was called to make a career change. Her approach to client care is informed by psychodynamic theory, social justice, neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirmation.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz created a model of the human mind as composed of “parts”. These parts may have their own objectives and emotions. They may conflict with each other and with our true Selves, creating anxiety, inner conflict, and confusion; resulting in unhealthy behaviors and relational patterns. Our parts are often stuck in the past, believing they are protecting our younger selves from trauma. For example, if a client experiences sudden feelings of anger or shame when criticized, a part may be reacting to the client being shamed as a young child. The therapeutic goal of IFS is to address our parts and gently convince them that we can take care of ourselves, resulting in a harmonious state that can cope with stressors. 

                While I am not formally trained in IFS, I have been studying it and have used aspects of it with clients who have experienced trauma that may be causing anxiety or depression. IFS is not for everyone, but I believe it may be an effective treatment component for those with Substance Use Disorders for the following reasons:

1. IFS is non-pathologizing, meaning it does not start with a deficit model of mental disorders. IFS conceptualizes a client’s symptoms as manifestations of past trauma. In the case of SUD, rather than being labeled as “addiction” a client’s substance use is a traumatized part from the client’s past coping with that trauma by using substances to numb or dissociate from unpleasant feelings. 
2. IFS explains the inner conflict most clients struggle with when their substance use is sabotaging their health. Part of them knows substances are not the answer and makes well-intentioned plans to cut down or stop using. Another part of them encourages substance use as protection from the pain that accompanies unresolved trauma. The client is left wondering, “Why do I keep doing this thing I know is bad for me?” 
3. Most clients with SUD have been shamed and blamed by family members, friends, and even professional helpers. These folks have been disappointed or hurt by the client’s behaviors. The client with SUD begins to see themselves as sick, weak, or a failure. IFS explains substance use as parts doing their best to protect the traumatized inner child. Understanding this possible underlying reason for substance use may help clients heal themselves from within by addressing the trauma and eliminating the need for unhealthy coping mechanisms. The client can learn healthy coping skills for current stressors and ultimately become more integrated and self-actualized. 

To learn more about IFS:

What is Internal Family Systems?

Schwartz, Richard. (2021) No bad parts: healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the internal family systems model. Sounds True.