Addiction affects approximately 17 people close to the average addict. Those most profoundly affected are their family, who need to be involved in treatment.
- Families often anticipate that the professionals are going to “fix” the addict, with little or no involvement from them. However, addiction is a lifelong illness that must be managed on an ongoing basis with the assistance of family.
- Families tend to fall into unhelpful roles when faced with addiction. Meaning well, they respond in ways that achieve nothing or exacerbate the problem. The most common are the Rescuer and the Persecutor.
- The Rescuer attempts to “save” the addict by, for example, paying off debts and making excuses about commitments not upheld. Rescuers feel good about themselves, but are preventing the addict from experiencing any consequences, thus slowing down the process of recovery.
- The Persecutor attempts to “punish away” the addiction, verbally or even physically abusing the addict, or making unrealistic threats. The Persecutor feels a sense of release, but it just gives the addict someone to blame, and nothing changes.
- At the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, Atlantis (CTDCC) we engage families throughout treatment. They are encouraged to accompany the addict to the assessment, are included in a number of sessions and attend a half-day Family Workshop. This is a safe space attended only by family members, and is also open to families who do not currently have a member in its programme. Families are educated about the nature of addiction and empowered to respond appropriately. (Written by Cathy Karassellos, Clinical Psychologist).For further information, please contact the CTDCC Atlantis on 021 571 7180, send an e-mail to: atlantis@drugcentre.org.za, or visit www.drugcentre.org.za or the Drosdy Building, Wesfleur Circle, Atlantis (opposite the courts).
