Family Addiction And The Family Research Paper

Addiction comes in many forms and effects the person, and the people around them in many ways. Unfortunately, we find addiction in our own homes, in homes across the United States, and the world. Drug addiction and alcohol are addictions that most people are familiar with, but there many addictions that the family suffer from. To understand what the family goes through when there is an addiction, we must understand what addiction means, what the cost of the addiction ultimately does to the family, the financial stresses, what treatment looks like for the addict and the family, and what happens to the children.

Addiction is a disease that is compulsive and difficult to control which could result in harmful consequences. Most drugs affect the

These roles would be the addict, the hero, the mascot, the lost child, the scapegoat, and the care taker. Each of these roles play an important role in the family. For example, that according to the Learning Circle, the member of the family that is the hero, is someone who needs to make the family look good, ignore the problem (the addict), and present things in a most positive manner. The most damaging role in the addicted family would be the lost child because the damage that the addict has done to the family or the type of abuse that was or wasn’t present in the family will stay with the children for the rest of their lives. Even some children may turn to a lifestyle similar to the present addict in the family as an escape from all the pain in their reality. The role of the lost child is silent, which means that he or she will never mention recovery. The lost child will also give up their own self needs and avoid conversation about the other roles of the family, either be good or bad. The child may feel a sense of loneliness and neglect since the basic family functions are centered at the addict; the child’s needs will never be met since the physical drug has a high importance in the family, whatever the child needs will be forgotten or pushed to the side. According to Addiction Solutions of South Florida, about 50-80% neglect and child abuse is the result of the parent or

Addiction has destroyed families as much as it has to the individual. The family plays many distinct roles when it comes to addiction. It is a promising idea to avoid name calling and passing judgment onto the addict once the addiction is present. Even though this may be a tough time for the both of you, but by supporting and encouraging the addict to seek treatment, both the addict and the family members can go live happy and productive. Most people don’t understand why or how some people, other than themselves, become addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping and even sex (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Often, people will mistakenly think that the people who are taking substance drugs or even drinking heavily, that those people lack moral principles or are willingly choosing to not stop their drug supply. Researchers have found that the use of drugs and alcohol, changes our brain chemistry. Which makes quitting harder and withdrawal almost unbearable to stand. The real damage comes into play if there are children involved in the family. Children are like sponges, the absorb everything. When they do get involved, the children may be more subjected to emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse. Addiction can be treated with therapy and counseling. There are counselors who specialize in the treatment of addiction who will help the family recognize that the recovery of their loved one is a