Dysfunctional Family A dysfunctional family is a family in which conflict, misbehavior and even abuse on the part of individual members of the family occur continually, leading other members to accommodate such actions. Children sometimes grow up in such families with the understanding that such an arrangement is normal. Dysfunctional families are most often a result of the alcoholism, substance abuse, or other addictions of parents, parents' untreated mental illnesses/defects or personality disorders, or the parents emulating their own dysfunctional parents and dysfunctional family experiences.
Alcoholic Addict Use of chemicals Chemically Dependent Fear, guilt, shameful Uses to relieve pain Experiences withdrawal when trying to stop
Enabler Co-dependent Super responsible Covers up for the dependent Has a low self-worth Angry
HERO Over-achiever Over-responsible Always does what is right Provides self-worth to the family Pride of the family Work-aholic Needs to control and manipulate
Scapegoat May get pregnant as a teenager. Gets into trouble at school or with the law Takes all the blame for the family problems, especially takes the blame away from the alcoholic. Defiant Hostile
Clown Provides comic relief for the family. Immature Super cute Hyperactive Does anything for a laugh or attention
Lost Child Loner Day dreamer Withdrawn Shy, quiet Unimportant Family is relieved not to worry about this kid.