Reflection- Family System of Addiction

Reflection- Family System of Addiction

After watching CalSouthern PSYCHOLOGY’s (2013) video, I agree with the speaker that the family system, or rather what he refers to as family homeostasis, has a significant impact on not only the likelihood of an individual becoming an addict but also the level of impact that this addiction has as well as the likelihood of successful rehabilitation. Homeostasis is a system that aims to keep everything at equilibrium so that everything functions properly; however, there are elements that can upset this system, causing imbalances. A proper functioning system is equipped to counter these imbalances or find another way to function till the imbalance is fixed. However, a dysfunctional system will not be able to fix any problems, which then disrupts the whole system and may cause it to collapse.

Thinking more about the relationship between family homeostasis and addiction, several key points come to mind. The first one is the link between family dynamics and addiction—the latter can both influence and be influenced by addiction within the family unit. Dysfunctional family dynamics, such as poor communication, high levels of conflict, or inadequate emotional support, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of addiction among family members (Fisher & Harrison, 2018). Secondly, in some cases, family members may inadvertently enable addictive behaviors through actions such as providing financial support, covering up for the addicted individual, or minimizing the severity of the problem. These enabling behaviors can disrupt family homeostasis by perpetuating the cycle of addiction and preventing necessary interventions.

Thirdly, addiction can disrupt established family roles and responsibilities, leading to role adaptation or role reversal within the family system. For example, a child may take on parental responsibilities in response to a parent’s addiction, leading to imbalances in family functioning and contributing to ongoing stress and dysfunction. Lastly, addiction may result in codependency, which refers to a dysfunctional pattern of behavior in which individuals prioritize the needs of the addicted person above their own well-being, often to the detriment of both parties. Codependent relationships can undermine family homeostasis by perpetuating unhealthy dynamics and enabling continued addictive behavior.

In conclusion, addiction is one of the elements that bring about imbalances in a family’s homeostasis system. As such, the high probability of successful rehabilitation of a person with a substance use disorder depends highly on a functional family system as opposed to a dysfunctional family. Notably, whether a family is functional or not also determines the likelihood of its members being addicts. Finally, family therapy and support programs are valuable components of addiction treatment because they help determine the strengths and weaknesses in the family that can either salvage or exacerbate the addiction.

References

CalSouthern PSYCHOLOGY. (2013, April 12). Family systems of addiction by Dr. Bob Weathers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5amrwoyGuWQ

Fisher, G. L., & Harrison, T. C. (2018). Substance abuse: Information for school counselors, social workers, therapists, and counselors. United Kingdom: Pearson.

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Evaluate this video clip. What are your thoughts?

Briefly introduce the topic of addiction and its impact on the family system.

Reflection- Family System of Addiction

Define key concepts, such as the “family system” and how addiction can influence it.

State the purpose of your reflection and what you hope to convey.