Unhealthy Family Roles in Addiction Recovery

Unhealthy Family Roles in Addiction Recovery

Introduction

In most instances where an individual battles addiction, there are high chances that the family will bear the brunt of the consequences of their addictive behaviors. Such aspects could lead to change in family roles, heightened expectations, and increased straining by the other colleague to ensure that the demands of the family are met while the other partner remains astray. The case of Marge provides a perfect example of how a family could descend to the chaotic assumption of the role, struggle to cope with the addictive behavior, and bear the consequences of such behavior and change of family roles.

Unhealthy Family Roles by Marge’s Husband in the Media

First, he was compelled to take up extra jobs to compensate for the wage void since Marge was no longer working and there was a need to meet the needs of the members of his family effectively. Such an aspect did not only result in overstraining but also ensured that he had little time for the family. Additionally, Marge’s husband unknowingly assumed the role of an enabler by making up excuses to cover for her addictive behaviors. Instead of looking for ways in which Marge could fast-track her recovery process, the husband would always come up with excuses to cover her tracks and continued living in denial about Marge’s addictive problems. Finally, he allowed the oldest daughter of the family to fill the parental void left by Marge as the daughter took care of the siblings in school and always helped with the house chores.

The Roles that Marge’s Children have assumed in Dealing with her Addiction

Due to Marge’s addiction, the children have assumed varied roles to cover for their mother, who is immersed in addiction. For instance, Marge’s oldest adult has almost entirely assumed the parental role of Marge in the family. She takes care of her younger siblings and effectively executes the house chores. Such an aspect has not only translated to undue pressure on the daughter but also threatens to cut short her sanity. She drops them off to school daily and ensures that they are fine, just like the mother could have done. On the other side, the son has become a mascot in the family owing to his demand for attention due to Marge’s absence resulting in constant deflection of problems.

One Unhealthy Family Role and How this Role could Impact Marge and her Family

Marge’s husband would always come with excuses in explaining her addictive behaviors and negligence to friends and always live in denial. Such developments equate the husband to an enabler who effectively facilitates the addictive behavior of Marge unknowingly. The denial, coupled with the enabler phenomenon, does not only worsen the situation but also ensures that immediate medical intervention is not sought, a scenario that exacerbates the already aggravated addictive behavior. Further, the daughter’s assumption of the mother role in the family could be seen as an act of permissiveness that is aimed at the need for family members to adequately cover for the mistake of Marge but not ensure that she seeks the much-needed treatments. The cover-ups and assumption of duties without confronting the main issue could translate to Marge continuing with her addictive behaviors and seeing no need to seek immediate treatments. These instances could also contribute to pressure on the mental health of the family members.

Address this Unhealthy Family Role as a Professional

An intervention that could be made to address the unhealthy family roles is by introducing family therapy once the treatment plan is initiated, and all the family members are conversant with the steps taken. One essential goal of family therapy is to strengthen the emotional well-being of family members during such instances so that the mental health and emotional health of all family members are placed on the check (O’Farrell & Clements, 2012). Such aspects are grounded on the rationale that dealing with the addictive behaviors of an individual is always hectic and needs sound mental health. The other goal is to ensure that the family members have the right platform to aid the family members during treatments for addictions, assist each other towards the road to recovery, and effectively avoid instances of relapse (O’Farrell & Clements, 2012). Such cases would ensure that Marge’s family is well prepared and supportive of her rehabilitation process.

Reference

O’Farrell, T. J., & Clements, K. (2012). Review of outcome research on marital and family therapy in treatment for alcoholism. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 122-144.