Family therapy is one method of intervening in a system that is out of control. By looking at adolescents within the system context, assessment can show whether there are unusual stresses in the family and if alcohol or drugs are being used to bring relief or some other gratification to the individual. Children of alcoholics and children from dysfunctional families tend to sacrifice themselves for the survival of the system. Dysfunctional families generally reach out for help when the stress of what is happening is greater than the system can handle. Taking advantage of such a crisis and reframing it as an opportunity for growth is the challenge of family therapists. Family therapy procedures are outlined, including therapy goals, family assessment, problem identification, and alcohol and drug history-taking. The role of family therapists when adolescents are in residential treatment is explored, along with the use of halfway houses as a treatment option. Consideration is also given to the need for continuing family therapy, adolescent relapse, and single-parent families. 24 references.