The Role of the Family in Alcoholism Rehab
An addiction to alcohol, or alcoholism, when diagnosed is called an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Alcoholism is the most serious form of alcohol abuse and involves the inability to manage drinking habits. It is also commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is organized into three categories: mild, moderate and Serious. Each category has various symptoms and can cause harmful side effects. If left untreated, any type of alcohol abuse can spiral out of control.
Addiction shakes the foundation of a family and changes the family dynamic. Especially if the alcoholism is prolonged, it can greatly influence family members and their character traits for the rest of their lives. For some alcoholic family roles, this may mean getting into serious trouble of their own in the future. For others, the presence of alcoholism in their family may impact their ability to cultivate personal relationships.
Family involvement can play a pivotal role in helping an alcoholic decide to enroll in an alcoholism treatment program and address his or her addiction. The loving and educated support of family can sometimes make the difference between a life of happy sobriety or further abuse and heartache.
For many in recovery, the support of family is critical to them achieving and maintaining sobriety. What Is The Role Of Family In Addiction Recovery? Substance abuse and addiction can damage family dynamics, erode trust, and weaken communication.
An addict’s family usually plays a significant part in both the development of and recovery from an alcohol use disorder. Although family members may want what is best for each other, they can sometimes play roles that negatively affect their loved one who is struggling to kick the bottle. In general, members will take on one of many alcoholic family roles.
This alcoholic family role is exactly what it sounds like: the family member who gets blamed for everything. The scapegoat often seems defiant, hostile, and angry. This family member usually projects their feelings of anger or frustration with the alcoholic onto others or sometimes act out at school, work, or family gatherings. The scapegoat could also perpetuate the cycle of addiction in the family because they may turn to drugs and alcohol during their teenage years. When scapegoats get older, males tend to act out in violence while females engage in promiscuous sex.
The lost child role is adopted by the most “invisible” child in the family, typically the middle or youngest child. They are not known for seeking attention and fly under the radar as a result. The lost child avoids confrontation and has trouble forming intimate relationships. As a reflection of their withdrawn nature, they cope with stress by adopting solitary activities that do not require a lot of interaction.
This role in an alcoholic’s family is the overachiever and perfectionist. They try to instill a sense of normalcy to his or her family via their achievements. Popularly adopted by the oldest child, the hero shoulders the shortcomings of the family and tries to lead them out of hard times. Since they self-impose a great deal of responsibility, the hero archetype feels tremendous pressure that can eventually lead to anxiety and stress.
