Addiction’s Disruption of Family Organization Curtis: chapters 7 & 8

Addiction deeply incorporated into family functioning Impact on daily routines  change to accommodate addiction Impact on family rituals  disrupted to ensure addict can be included Impact on short-term problem solving  members may only relate “through” problems

Roles adopted by members to “survive” or “fit in” 1. Dependent Person Pain & shame, inadequacy & loneliness Loss of personal control Blames others to temporarily relieve internal stress and rationalize “use”

2. Codependent “enabler” Feels responsible “needs” others to have problems May unconsciously sabotage attempts to quit Includes: 1.Martyrs = sacrifice self 2.Persecutors = blame others for unhappiness 3.Coconspirators = not willing to recognize addiction 4.Drinking partners = joining addict to better control use 5.Apathetic = has given up and stopped caring

3. Hero Generally oldest child Close alliance with codependent Anticipates and interprets others’ needs Tries to improve “situation” by being successful and gaining family pride Over-achiever; perfectionist; approval- seeker; people-pleaser Lays groundwork for becoming codependent

4. Scapegoat “problem” child Defiance & hostility begin early Provides “relief” for family (read: release) Only receives direct communication when getting in trouble Chemical dependency and criminality common as child grows up Difficulty holding jobs and forming relationships later in life

5. Mascot Distracts with fun & humour to ease tension Uses charm, being super cute to survive Center of attention, but not taken seriously Develops into immature, insecure adult Continues to hide low self-esteem by being clown

6. Lost Child Feels insignificant, unimportant Loner Never creates additional worry or stress Family rewards avoidance (compliments withdrawal) Carries inability to make close connections into adulthood Isolation becomes lifestyle