DYSFUNCTIONAL

ADDICTIONFAMILY
ROLES
6 COMMON ROLES IN CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
FAMILIES

HTTP://AMANDAJBARNETT.WEEBLY.COM/
THE DEPENDENT
The dependent person is the alcoholic or addict. On the outside, they act
hostile, charming, have rigid values, withdraws from family, manipulates and
blames others, and has declining job performance or grades (Alford, 1998).
Internally, however, they often feel guilt, shame, fear, pain, self-pity, and
inadequacy. In order to effectively treat them, substance abuse counselors
need to facilitate confrontation, support, and accountability. Addicts need to
be loved and accepted by their families.
The Chief Enabler
The Chief Enabler is usually the
spouse or partner of the
dependent person. Their role is
taking care of the dependent
person, covering up for them, and
sheltering them from the
consequences of their actions. This
person acts like a martyr, appears
super-responsible, and is passive.
Inside, however, they are angry,
hurt, guilty, resentful, and have
low self-esteem (Scharff &
Conway, 2004) . They need
support, self-care, confrontation,
and expression of feelings.
THEFAMILY
HERO
The family hero is generally
the oldest child and is the
person who makes the family
proud by generally being the
super achiever. Their role is
to be the one that makes the
family look good to the
outside world. This person
acts like a perfectionists,
seeks approval, and is very
critical of self (Scharff &
Conway, 2004). They need to
take risks, allowed to be
vulnerable and make
mistakes, and express their
feelings.
THE SCAPEGOAT
The scapegoat is always in trouble and is blamed for the dependent persons
using or drinking. Their role is to let everyone off the hook of responsibility for
the family problems and to distract them from the dependent persons actions.
They act hostile and defiant, but inside are hurt and rejected (Alford, 1998).
They need acceptance, confrontation, challenge, and support.
THELOST
CHILD

The Lost Child avoids trouble

by being invisible. They are
quiet, shy, and ignore conflict.
Inside they are rejected,
anxious, low self-esteem. They
withdraw, avoid stress, and
ask for nothing (Scharff &
Conway, 2004). They need
encouragement, rewards, and
invitation to participate.
The Mascot
The mascot is the person who is
always clowning around and
distracting people from their
problems. They are never
serious and always make
people laugh when things get
tense. On the outside they are
immature, act cute, and are
clowning around. Inside they
are fearful, anxious, and
insecure (Buelow, 1995). They
need physical touch, to be
taken seriously, and asked for
input.
References for Information Sources
Alford,K.(1998).Familyroles,alcoholism,andfamilydysfunction.JournalofMentalHealth
Counseling,20(3),p250.

Buelow,G.(1995).Comparingstudentsfromsubstanceabusinganddysfunctionalfamilies:
implicationsforcounseling.JournalofCounseling&Development,73(3),327.

Scharff,J.,&Conway,K.(2004).Theinteractionofparentalalcoholism,adaptationrole,and
familialdysfunction.AddictiveBehaviors,29(3),p575581.
References for Media Sources, In
Order of Appearance
[FamilyTherapy]TrinityHarbor.Retrieved1/29/17fromhttps://www.trinityharbor.com/

[MentalHealthCounseling]LivingstonCatholicCharities.Retrieved1/29/17from
http://www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org/mentalhealthcounseling/

[CouplesCounseling.LaunchPadCounseling/Retrieved1/29/17from
http://launchpadcounseling.com/

[CouplesCounseling].TrinityHarbor.Retrievedfromhttps://www.trinityharbor.com/

[IndividualTherapy]TrinityHarbor.Retrieved1/29/17fromhttps://www.trinityharbor.com/

[Playtherapy].TrinityHarbor.Retrieved1/29/17fromhttps://www.trinityharbor.com/

[GroupTherapy]TrinityHarbor.Retrieved1/29/17fromhttps://www.trinityharbor.com/