Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

Why might families feel depressed after a member completes alcohol treatment?

1. They feel relief from the situation

2. They begin to realize the role that alcohol played

3. They were not supportive of the treatment

4. They expected immediate happiness

The correct answer is: They begin to realize the role that alcohol played

The chosen answer highlights an important aspect of the emotional dynamics families experience following a loved one's alcohol treatment. When a family member completes treatment, it often marks a turning point in their life and the family’s collective experience. The realization of the role that alcohol played in the family dynamics can be profound and distressing. Families may have previously been in denial about the extent of the issues related to alcohol use, and the completion of treatment can trigger a deeper understanding of past challenges, trauma, and the emotional toll that alcohol abuse has taken on all members. This awakening can evoke feelings of sadness, guilt, or even anger as they reflect on their experiences. As they comprehend the impact of alcohol on their loved one and the family as a whole, it can lead to a mourning period for the life and interactions they missed out on during the time of substance use. This newfound awareness can contribute significantly to feelings of depression, as families navigate these unsettling emotions and the changes in their relational dynamics. Other options, while they may relate to family experiences in different contexts, do not capture the primary emotional reaction that stems from this realization as effectively.