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Running head: Family roles
Role theory: Family roles in chemical dependency
Dana Clark
University of Central Florida
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When discussing chemical dependency, the role of the family as a support
system is often described. This support can help an addict maintain their sobriety, or
can cushion the emotional backlash of a relapse setback. A strong support, however,
can turn into a codependent relationship where the addict and the family member share
the mental addiction (van Wormer, 2008). It is not hard to understand that family
members of chemically dependent people take on individual roles to help cope with the
addictive behavior. These roles, described by Wegscheider in 1981, can serve as
healthy ways of coping, or could lead to a worsening of dependency in the addict (van
Wormer, 2008).
The chemically dependent person
Touchy and sensitive, this family member is consumed by their addiction. This
role is often difficult to figure out, as the dependent person many times is charismatic to
others (van Wormer, 2008). However, this charisma can fade into selfishness and an
“all or nothing” attitude (van Wormer, 2008). When hopes or aspirations are not fulfilled,
this person will feel a desire to escape from life duties. While men who encompass this
role are often looked at fondly by children, chemically dependent mothers are highly
criticized as neglectful to responsibility (van Wormer, 2008).
The family manager
The family manager will often step in to “save” the addict, whether bailing them
out of bad situations or shielding the addict from the consequences of their substance
abuse (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997). Because this role as the chief enabler
compensates for the low functioning of the chemically dependent partner, the result is a
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decline in their own functioning, almost to proportion (van Wormer, 2008). Shielding the
addict from the consequences of the chemical dependency enables them to continue
using (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997). If the family manager is in denial about the
existence of substance abuse in the beginning, becoming aware of this fact may lead to
a reversal in attitude and resentment toward the chemically dependent person (van
Wormer, 2008).
The hero
The hero, or caretaker, secretly hopes that by displaying their own good behavior
the addict will have an easier time in quitting the addiction (Bonecutter & Gleeson,
1997). This family member is a high achiever and is always seeking approval through
their achievements, though many times has low self-esteem (van Wormer, 2008).
Minimizing the responsibilities of the addict, this role may lead to a perfectionist attitude.
Some of those who had a hero role in their family may end up marrying an addict,
further taking on a caretaker role in later life (van Wormer, 2008).
The scapegoat
The scapegoat, or rebel, will misbehave or act out to take the negative attention
away from the addict and the family as a whole (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997). A
negative label is attached to this person, often the second born in a family, and blame is
placed on them for risky behavior (van Wormer, 2008). The scapegoat feels trapped by
their home life, and the bad behavior usually presents in the form of poor academic
performance or hostility toward others (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997).
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The lost child
The lost child, or the adjuster, takes on an apathetic attitude so as not to
feel the pain of the situation (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997). This child is thrown into a
fantasy world, often playing with dolls or games to entertain themselves and stay out of
trouble (van Wormer, 2008). The lost child will not recognize the addiction as a
problem, and avoid any situations that may upset them (Bonecutter & Gleeson, 1997).
Similar to the chemically dependent family member, this role has the strong desire to
escape (van Wormer, 2008).
The mascot
Lastly, the role of the mascot or pleaser draws attention away from the
family situation by acting like a clown or pleasing through humor (Bonecutter & Gleeson,
1997). While providing a distraction from the serious issues the family is experiencing,
the mascot attracts positive attention (van Wormer, 2008). Like the chemically
dependent family member or the lost child, this role also finds a way to escape, and
uses laughter as a means to do so (van Wormer, 2008).
These differing roles in the family system can serve as a way of coping with the
stressors of living with a chemically dependent family member. The question remains
as to whether they are healthy ways of coping, or merely necessity in dealing with such
stress. Some people may identify with one of these roles, and some may be a mix of
many different roles. Needless to say, the role of the family is a very important part in
chemical dependence and dependence recovery.
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References
Bonecutter, F.J. & Gleeson, J.P. (1997). Achieving Permanency for Children in Kinship
Foster Care: A Training Manual.
Van Wormer, K., & Davis, R. A. (2008). Addiction Treatment a Strengths Perspective.
Thomson Brooks/Cole. Belmont, CA.