1. Chemical Dependency and the Family
Family Roles
and Family Stages

2. YouTube - this is my family

3. Family Roles People assume roles to protect the family.
These are not healthy for anyone.
These roles help them to cope and survive.
Many times outside help is needed to break these roles.

4. makes excuses for the user
Behaviors
makes excuses for the user
may lie to protect chemically dependent person
takes responsibility for the person
blames others for the problems

5. Behaviors:
high achiever/perfectionist
very busy and active
seeks approval
keeps things running smoothly
keeps the family together

6. Behaviors:
tests limits
breaks rules
gets in trouble
gets blamed for the family problems takes attention away from real problem
usually has most realistic picture of the family
wants to spend all their time away

7. Behaviors
seeks attention through humor and acting out
uses humor to keep people at a distance
hides the problem
seldom serious

8. Behaviors quiet – shy daydreamer spends time alone
may have a make believe world
avoids conflict
doesn’t talk about problems

9. Family Stages
When a family member becomes a victim of alcoholism or another drug addiction, the rest of the family tends to react in predictable ways.

10. Stage 1: DENIAL Members deny any problem Hide the problem
Want to protect reputation
Family makes excuses for the drug abuse
They try to create the “perfect family” illusion

11. Stage 2: HOME TREATMENT Family tries to control the drug use
Eliminates the supply
Socially isolated
Blames themselves

12. Stage 3: CHAOS AND DISORGANIZATION
A crisis occurs as a result of the drug
Disease can no longer be denied or hidden
Family feels helpless
Children become confused
Family violence may occur

13. Stage 4: REORGANIZTION Family tries to reorganize
Dependent person is ignored or treated like a child
Other members may feel guilt, fear, anger, resentment