FAMILY: THE SHADOWS OF
ADDICTION
The bio/psycho/social model of well-being:
Physical impactsEmotional impactsSocial impactsSpiritual impacts
IMPACTS OF ADDICTION
Weight gain/weight loss
Medical problems such as: DiabetesHypertension
G.I. problemsCirculation problems
PHYSICAL
AngerDepression IsolationLow self-esteem
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL
Change in friendsNo friendsNegative feedback from
close friendsLoss of interestLack of follow throughNot looking forward to
thingsMisdirected goals
SOCIAL
Anger with GOD/Higher Power
SPIRITUAL
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE FAMILY WHEN
THE ADDICTION BECOMES A PART OF
IT?
Unusual stressNormal routines are interrupted by
frightening experiencesWhat is being said doesn’t match up with
family members feelings i.e. the lyrics don’t match the music
Feelings get shut down and stuffedFamily members become “PODS” or pseudo
self
THE FAMILY
RationalizationIntellectualizingOver controllingEnablingWithdrawingSelf medicating
DEFENSE MECHANISMS ARE COMPLICATED
A family’s ability to create balance within the family unit
Three branches of the family system Husband and Wife Mother and Father Children
HOMEOSTASIS
In a more balanced system there is:Open communicationChildren have a voiceThe rules are for the entire family unit, not just the identified addict.
Boundaries between systemsMembers can identify their role in their families.
HOMEOSTASIS
In alcoholic and drug addicted homes there is a huge lack of balance
The shadow of the disease of addiction takes over the family members and transforms them into something else.
Concepts such as truth and faith become chaotic and promises are broken
Instability
No trust
HOMEOSTASIS
Typically family members fall into two categories:
The Pleaser Withdrawn
Yell scream Smile when in pain Withdraw Cajole Horrang Criticize Overly identify Understand Get fed up
Laugh Lie Exaggerate Rationalize Intellectualize Delusions of grandeur
HOMEOSTASIS
Common Behaviors Include:
INVOLVING FAMILY IN THE RECOVERY
PROCESS
Involve Families.Families dealing with addiction often deny family members the opportunity to share either openly
or partially open about what is happening.
Everyday occurrences that seem normal are put on the “back burner” and feel very much like a
burden.
Give them a safe space to talk with purpose.
TALK WITH PURPOSE
The weights hang on the shoulders of family members Must talk about their feelings Have to have outside positive influence Should not self medicate
Family members in a drug addicted atmosphere tend to: Avoid Lack a genuine emotional connection. Misdirected focus on other problems
TALK WITH PURPOSE
Make no mistake…Addiction = trauma
It is: Persuasive Imposing Lacks rapport Impacts physiological
state Weakens mental stability
THE BRAIN
Amygdala The center for the Fight or Flight mechanism is fully
functional at birth. Hippocampus
Are we threatened? Pre-frontal cortex
Necessary/essential Not fully developed until at least 10 or 11 years old
THE BRAIN
QUESTIONS?