Family Dynamics

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Recommended: Role of family in prevention of drug abuse

Family Dynamics that Characterize Drug Abusing Families Chemical dependency is a family disease that involves and affects each member within the family (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). The family dynamics that characterize drug abusing families consists of several rules. In drug abusing families, the dependent person’s drug use becomes the primary factor in the family’s life (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Denial is a dominant characteristic in drug abusing families because family members believe that drugs are not the source of the problem(s) (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Family members in drug abusing families also believe that the drug dependent individual is not accountable for their own behavior because the drug produces the behavior …show more content…

The described roles comprise of a chief enabler whose purpose is to take primary responsibility for the family functioning (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). A scapegoat is someone in the family that receives the blame for the drug dependent individual within that family (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). A lost child is a role played by a family member that never causes trouble and appears uninvolved with the rest of the family (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Lastly, members in drug abusing families sometimes have an individual in the family that plays the role of the mascot (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). The mascot is an individual within the family that does not take anything seriously and maintains a good sense of humor (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, …show more content…

Eventually, family members learn to confront the drug dependent person and provide honest information regarding their behaviors in a factual manner (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). It is also important that the family learns about the progression of the disease (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Meetings with other drug dependent individuals is one strategy for treating a chemically dependent person as it provides support during the recovery process (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help organization that offers support, guidance, and information to alcohol dependent individuals (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). AA provides each new member with a sponsor that can be contacted for support day or night (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). New activities and social groups are also provided in AA programs (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman,

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