Substance abuse impacts every member of a family. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Evidence has shown that some people have a genetic predisposition for developing mental and substance use disorders, and may be at greater risk based on environmental factors such as having grown up in a home affected by a family member’s mental health or history of substance use.” New Found Life addresses family roles in addiction treatment and recovery. The clinical team uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat substance use disorder (SUD).
Understanding the Family System in Addiction
According to BMC Psychiatry, “Studies have shown that the impacts of drug and alcohol use on families are undeniable and expose family members to a wide range of issues such as: socio-economic and mental health problems, abuse, conflicts, dysfunctional family structure, various issues in community life, and several problems related to married life.” In addition, “It is noteworthy that in the absence of sufficient social and governmental support, the burden of addiction or any other problem will be quite heavy and stressful for families, which, in addition to affecting the structure as well as the function and role of the family, makes family members face various and severe pressures and stresses.”
Addiction Is a Family Disease — And Everyone Is Affected
SUD impacts everyone differently. Family roles in families with alcoholism or instances of drug abuse affect parental figures, siblings, children, and other loved ones. Often, addiction causes a cycle of substance abuse passed down between generations, leading to multigenerational trauma and mental health issues. Family therapy can help multiple generations heal and recover from the damaging effects of alcohol or substance abuse. The entire family benefits from participating in the recovery process.
What Are Family Roles in Addicted Families?
A family’s problems may interfere with treatment and recovery. Addicted family roles can affect alcohol or drug use. The treatment center at New Found Life educates families on the various roles and how they can impact a person’s mental health and recovery from SUD.
Mental illness may contribute to the development of drug or alcohol addiction. Family members with mental health issues may cause people to fall into maladaptive behaviors. Treatment programs address co-occurring conditions to break cycles of addiction and mental health issues.
The Origin of Family Roles: Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse’s Framework
Clinicians have understood the importance of family roles on mental health and addiction recovery since the mid-1950s. Over time, the theories and treatment programs for addressing drug abuse and alcoholic family roles have evolved to incorporate breakthroughs in psychiatric research. Research does not necessarily support role theories like those presented by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. However, the mental health and addiction recovery community has accepted them.
Studies have shown that “Virginia Satir’s communication family model, adapted by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse, gained prominence in SUD treatment; programs adopted a systemic perspective to explore how family dynamics and roles shifted in response to family members with SUDs.”
Below are brief descriptions of the six dysfunctional family roles in addiction as described by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse:
- Addicted Person: the center of the family’s pain and emotional distress
- Enabler (Caretaker): parental figures or other family members who keep the peace by hiding the truth, smoothing over issues caused by substance abuse, and making excuses to give the family a sense of security and safety in the face of harm caused by SUD
- Hero (Perfectionist/Overachiever): often an older sibling striving to hold everything together by excelling at everything and projecting a sense of consistency and pride
- Scapegoat: acts out to divert attention from the addicted person and give the family a person to blame for their guilt, anger, shame, and frustration
- Lost Child: avoids conflict at all costs and often feels invisible, withdrawn, and forgotten within the family dynamics
- Mascot: often the youngest child of the family who uses humor and charm to cope with family dysfunction and put the rest of the family at ease
The various roles may reflect some family experiences. However, they do not reflect all families. Family roles suggested by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse have not been supported by research and are used primarily as a way to help families better understand the connections between their behaviors and how their behaviors and addiction impact the person abusing substances.
The Impact of These Roles on Mental Health and Well-Being
Family relationships significantly affect a person’s mental health and overall well-being. According to SAMHSA, “Mental and substance use disorders in families can impact family dynamics.” Codependency and other enabling behaviors can become a barrier to treatment or lasting recovery for some individuals with SUD. Negative effects of unhealthy family dynamics often contribute to chronic alcohol or drug addiction.
The Emotional Toll of Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
Addiction affects the whole family, not just the addicted individual. Often, dysfunction begins early in childhood and follows people into adulthood. Over time, family dynamics adjust to accommodate the maladaptive behaviors.
Some of the ways dysfunctional family roles persist into adulthood include:
- Unhealthy relationship patterns
- Negative self-beliefs
- Lack of emotional control
- A sense of being an outsider
- Lack of healthy social support
The emotional toll of family dysfunction may cause some people to abuse alcohol or drugs. Chronic stress and emotional distress contribute to maladaptive coping strategies and a breakdown in family communication.
Living With an Addicted Family Member
Many families struggle with financial, legal, and relationship issues if an addicted family member lives in the home. The symptoms and side effects of addiction cause conflict and tension between loved ones. Unfortunately, individuals with SUD often have difficulty recognizing the reality of their circumstances, and they may need family to help them see the need for professional treatment.
Family interventions play a critical role in addiction recovery for many people. New Found Life works with families to ensure they have the resources and information they need to effectively conduct an intervention. The clinical team facilitates the intake process and directs families to local detox programs that can help their loved one take the first steps in their healing journey.
Ripple Effects: Relationships, Boundaries, and Self-Worth
Dysfunctional family roles cause people to behave in ways that may endanger others or cause pain to the entire family. Even family roles like the mascot or hero who attempt to help calm the situation may only cause additional issues.
The ripple effects of addiction impact the following:
- Relationships
- Boundaries
- Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem
The individual addicted to alcohol or drugs may feel uncomfortable around the rest of the family due to how others treat them or the damage they cause.
Understanding Your Role as a Coping Mechanism — Not Your Identity
Many people tie their sense of purpose and self-worth to the roles they fill. However, the roles people play in their families and social circles do not reflect their identity. Instead, they act as a coping mechanism and reflect the person’s place within the family unit and social communities.
Breaking Free: Healing Family Roles in Recovery
Treatment programs give people insights into the function and underlying causes of various roles. New Found Life uses psychoeducation, family therapy, and other support services to show clients and their families how these roles may have contributed to the development of addictive behaviors. Healing from the effects of substance abuse takes time, and many families benefit from recovering together under the guidance of mental health professionals.
Setting Healthy Boundaries and Honoring Your Own Needs
Individuals with SUD or dual diagnosis benefit from setting healthy boundaries that support lasting recovery. New Found Life guides clients and their families through the process of developing practical communication skills and setting personal boundaries.
Creating healthy boundaries reduces family conflict by doing the following:
- Setting clear limits on acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, interactions, and conversation topics
- Creating clear expectations and mutual understanding between family members
- Allowing people to maintain a positive self-image, identity, and personal space within the family
- Reducing stress and resentment due to unrealistic family expectations
Clinicians help clients develop and practice the process of creating boundaries to improve their overall well-being and family relationships.
How Treatment Programs Like New Found Life Support the Whole Family
New Found Life offers family programs that address factors impacting all members of a family unit. By incorporating family members in the rehabilitation process, clinicians ensure clients have a nurturing home environment and a solid support network to help them maintain sobriety long-term.
Everyone within a family unit feels the impact of addiction. Some family members may even have trauma or other mental health issues caused by witnessing their loved one’s struggle with SUD. Treatment programs give families a safe space to share their thoughts and heal together. Addiction or mental health experts guide clients and their families through each stage of recovery.
Moving From Dysfunction to Connection
Each role within the family has a distinct function. The mascot, hero, scapegoat, and other roles cause dysfunction by masking the central problem of addiction through intentional or unintentional enabling behaviors. Therapy and other forms of treatment reveal the connections between various roles and family dynamics. People in rehabilitation can use the information they learn to transform relationships from dysfunctional to positive connections.
The Role of Family Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Family therapy plays a vital role in addiction recovery for many people. According to the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, “Couples or family sessions can help families address their questions and concerns, change how they interact within the family system, and improve communication.” In addition, “Families can also help themselves by discussing their experiences with the member with the SUD, examining their own behaviors and emotional reactions, and dealing with their own reactions.”
Family therapy provides people with a safe, judgment-free space where they can feel comfortable addressing various concerns and relationship issues interfering with the recovery process. The clinical team at New Found Life uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy to help families reconcile or build healthier connections.
How Family Involvement Strengthens Recovery Outcomes
Family involvement strengthens recovery outcomes by giving clients additional support and accountability. Individuals recovering from SUD may find it challenging to develop new routines or habits that contribute to lasting sobriety. Practical and emotional support from family makes it easier for people to adopt healthier behaviors.
Aftercare is a critical stage of treatment. Family often contributes significantly to the recovery process during continuing care. New Found Life encourages family members to use therapy, support groups, and other resources to educate themselves and help their loved one overcome challenges during aftercare.
Group Therapy, Al-Anon, and Peer Support Groups
Community-based Al-Anon support groups provide families and friends of individuals with SUD a space to share their stories with others who have similar life experiences. The focus on family support gives parental figures, siblings, children, and other family members of individuals with addiction a safe place to express themselves.
According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, “Potential benefits of Al-Anon attendance involve better health and functioning.” In addition, “Al-Anon members were more likely to have obtained psychological self-help.”
Other forms of self-help and community support also help families gain insights and motivation during recovery. New Found Life provides referrals and resource information for clients and families as they transition through each stage of treatment.
Learning New Coping Strategies as a Family Unit
Family therapy teaches effective coping strategies for everyone in the family unit, including:
- Setting clear boundaries
- Actively listening
- Communicating effectively
- Managing stress
- Regulating emotions
- Resolving conflict
Every family has different needs and circumstances. New Found Life tailors therapy sessions and coping strategies to the unique needs of each family to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or additional stress within the home.
Treatment Options for Families Affected by Addiction
Every case requires tailored care to address family dynamics and other factors impacting sobriety and overall mental health.
Some of the treatment options for families impacted by addiction or dual diagnosis include:
- Family-focused treatment programs with focused care plans
- Integrative care combining mental health and addiction treatment
- Residential care for clients with a lack of support at home
Family involvement in recovery helps many people. However, toxic family dynamics with individuals who choose not to change may increase the risk of relapse, making it essential to create some space between the addicted person and their workplace.
What to Expect From Family-Focused Treatment Programs
Family-focused treatment at New Found Life provides directions and education to families struggling with addiction. Families can expect to spend time throughout the week checking in with their loved ones and participating in family therapy or other services. In most cases, family members must self-reflect and make changes to accommodate and support their loved one’s sobriety.
Outpatient Support, Residential Care, and Detox Coordination
New Found Life offers outpatient support, residential care, and detox coordination to reduce strain on the family and help facilitate interventions. If necessary, case managers coordinate with family members to ensure they have access to critical referrals and resources. Every stage of recovery provides families with an opportunity to support their loved ones.
Rebuilding Together — Support for Every Member of the Family
Family-focused treatment programs help every member of the family rebuild their lives together, strengthening and repairing relationships. Clients with a family history of substance use or mental health disorders may especially benefit from using family therapy to reveal the connections between their loved one’s actions and their own substance use or emotional pain. Family members may not know how their behaviors have negatively affected their loved ones until they hear it in therapy from a new perspective. Therapeutic interventions heal families together.
A New Path for the Whole Family
New Found Life helps families transition from dysfunction to hope, healing, and happiness using evidence-based therapies. Everyone in the family unit benefits when a loved one participates in professional rehabilitation programs for alcohol or drug addiction. Clinicians tailor care plans to the specific needs of each client, often using insight from loved ones to address underlying issues contributing to addictive behaviors.
Get Help for Your Loved One — and Support for Yourself
Families can get help for their loved ones by reaching out to the specialists at New Found Life. The intake team and clinicians offer families essential advice and professional support. Most families see positive changes within the first few stages of treatment, allowing them to heal and grow together.
Every member of a family unit has a role they play in the lives of loved ones struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Often, the roles people play only exacerbate the problem by enabling addiction or other forms of self-destructive behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy help clients and their loved ones self-reflect and recognize how maladaptive family roles may contribute to ongoing substance abuse issues. New Found Life offers family-focused treatment programs for clients with complicated family relationships affecting their ability to establish or maintain sobriety. To learn more about how the care team helps families overcome addiction and the damage caused by enabling family roles, call our office today at (562) 434-4060.