The document discusses the dynamics of addiction within family systems, emphasizing the various roles family members play and how addiction can be viewed as a 'systemic virus' affecting these dynamics. It highlights the importance of understanding these roles and implementing healthy communication to strengthen the family's immune system against addiction. Additionally, it provides resources and treatment options for families dealing with addiction.

1. The Dynamics of Addictions in Human Systems Louis D. Cox, Ph.D & Laura C. Snyder, CSW International Neuroscience and Addiction Conference 2009

2. Our goal for you … Increase your knowledge and methods to assess: the forces impacting your patient the role your (non-addict) patient plays within the family what will help your patient and the family system as a whole

3. Addiction = Systemic Virus

4. Fooling the Immune System

5. It’s not addiction, he/she drinks/drugs because … LOVE OF A GOOD TIME ECCENTRIC / CREATIVE LOW SELF-ESTEEM BAD PARENTING LACK OF CONTROL / WEAK WILL SELFISHNESS BAD LUCK STUPIDITY HATEFULNESS POVERTY NOT ENOUGH LOVE SUBCULTURE - SEX - ROCK & ROLL - COLLEGE - BUSINESS LACK OF MORALS SELF-DESTRUCTIVENESS MADNESS IRRESPONSIBILITY / IMMATURITY NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH NOT HAVING FOUND: THE RIGHT THING TO SAY or THE RIGHT WAY TO SAY IT NOT BEING A GOOD ENOUGH PARENT OR FRIEND

6. It’s not addiction, he/she drinks/drugs because … … the list goes on.

7. SEEKING HELP: Who asks? When? For What?

8. Impact of Addiction on a Family System

9. Family Roles The Addict: “I want what I want when I want it.” Chief Enabler: “ I will fix it.” Hero: “ I can handle anything and succeed.” Scapegoat: “ I’ll show you; I don’t care what I say.” Lost Child: “ I’ll be invisible; I don’t need anyone.” Mascot: “ Let me entertain you.”

10. Powerlessness and Shame in Impacted Family Systems

11. A Healthy Family Immune System The family’s immune system to this kind of stealth virus lies in its ability to avoid getting caught in shaming/blaming, to talk honestly with each other, to listen to and be curious about each other’s perspectives on the problem, to admit ignorance , to listen to and respect the wisdom in their feelings, to problem solve together , and to seek help when they are powerless to mend themselves.

12. Questionnaire to Assess the Family Immune System

13. Actions That Help Education/strengthening of self Alanon/ACOA/CODA Boundaries/limits Understanding and releasing guilt/shame

14. Intervention and Treatment Johnson Model Systemic Model Treatment Options

15. Resources for Family Members and Family Systems Books / articles / lectures / online Treatment Centers – 5 day progs; family progs Cox/Snyder 58 East 79th Street NYC 10075 USA 212.717.6997 www.egomechanics.com [email_address]

16. Thank You