The question of what initiated the drug addiction can be argued, but probably not answered. The genetic or hereditary research is ongoing, the behaviors and environment can play a role but the important thing is to put an end to the cycle. It is beyond measure of the damage that drug addiction within the family can cause. The emotional destruction of a drug addiction can consume the lives of the entire household.
Codependency
Codependency can manifest as a result of stress due to the environment and behaviors of an addict. The term had emerged from Alcoholics Anonymous, explaining the psychological dependency that a loved one of the drug addict develops. The life of the codependent revolves around the addict; excessive care-taking, obsessive thoughts, stress induced illnesses, and detached feelings of intimacy are signs of co-dependency.
Family Roles
The characters that the family members generally portray are as follows:The Addict:
The identified member of the family suffering from addiction. The "sick" one. They are the center of everyone's attention and concern. Unconsciously, the other members of the family balance out any responsibilities.
The Caretaker or Enabler:
They hold everyone together, causing others to construct their role in the family. They downplay reality, makes excuses for others' behaviors, and try to keep the family in balance. When problems arise, they make excuses for these behaviors and avoid the issues. This is the enabler.
The Hero:
On the surface- the brave one that can handle everything, and that problems don't exist. They are a perfectionist and present everything in a positive manner. Inside- suffering with remorse, shame and fear.
The Quiet One:
Avoiding all confrontations, sacrifices personal needs, and feels like an inconvenience. Internalizing feelings of: neglect, loneliness, and guilt.
The Mascot:
The comedian of the group that uses sarcasm to mock people and situations as a ploy to mask embarrassment, guilt or anger. They often make inappropriate jokes, use harmful humor, and can sometimes interfere with the recovery process.
The Problem Child:
The destructive one that averts attention to the real problems in the family. They too are suffering from loneliness, guilt and resentment.
The Scapegoat:
Often acts out, rebel, divert attention from the addict. They draw attention away from the real problem.
Everyone in the family plays a part in enabling the drug addict. Everyone is suffering and needs personal recovery in order to change the whole dynamic of the family. Codependency is just as destructive as the addiction itself. While the addict is in treatment the family should be in recovery as well through therapy, counseling, and 12 step programs, such as Al-Anon, too.
