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Family Roles in Addiction

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At Santa Barbara Recovery, we understand that addiction doesn’t just affect the individual struggling with substance abuse; it also affects the entire family. That’s why we offer family therapy as part of our treatment program, to help family members understand their role in the recovery process and how they can support their loved one. In this article, we’ll explore the different roles that family members may play in addiction and how to address these roles in the recovery process.

What are the Different Family Roles in Addiction?

Families affected by addiction often develop certain roles in response to substance abuse. These roles can include:

  • The Enabler : The enabler is often a spouse or parent who makes excuses for the individual struggling with substance abuse and tries to protect them from the consequences of their actions.
  • The Hero : The hero is the family member who tries to take on all of the responsibilities and burdens within the family to distract from the substance abuse.
  • The Scapegoat : The scapegoat is the family member who is often blamed for the problems within the family and may engage in risky or rebellious behavior.
  • The Lost Child : The lost child is the family member who tries to avoid the chaos of the family by withdrawing and staying out of the way.
  • The Mascot : The mascot is the family member who tries to lighten the mood with humor and distract from the substance abuse.

Why is it Important to Address Family Roles in Recovery?

It’s important to address these family roles in the recovery process because they can often perpetuate the cycle of addiction. For example, the enabler may be enabling substance abuse by protecting the individual from the consequences of their actions. Similarly, the hero may be enabling the substance abuse by taking on all of the responsibilities and burdens within the family. By addressing these roles, family members can learn healthier ways of coping and supporting their loved one in recovery.

How Can Family Therapy Help?

Family therapy can be an effective way to address the family roles in addiction and help family members learn healthy ways of coping and supporting their loved one in recovery. In family therapy, family members can:

  • Explore the impact of substance abuse on the family.
  • Identify and address any unhealthy patterns or behaviors within the family.
  • Learn healthy communication skills.
  • Develop a plan for supporting the individual in recovery.

Benefits of Family Therapy

There are many benefits to participating in family therapy, including:

  • Improved communication : Family therapy can help family members learn healthy communication skills and improve their relationships with each other.
  • Increased understanding : Family therapy can help family members understand their role in the recovery process and how they can support their loved ones.
  • Enhanced support : By participating in family therapy, family members can learn how to provide healthy support for their loved ones in recovery.
  • Greater sense of unity : Family therapy can help to bring families closer together and foster a greater sense of unity.

Conclusion :

Family roles in addiction can often perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse. By addressing these roles in the recovery process, family members can learn healthy ways of coping and supporting their loved ones in recovery. At Santa Barbara Recovery, we offer family therapy as part of our treatment program to help families affected by addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, consider the benefits of our family therapy program.

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