Dawn Farm
Dawn Farm
Addiction and Families - September 2017
Addiction and Families - September 2017
Addiction and Families - September 2017
Thursday 5th October 2017
Discover how addiction affects family dynamics and learn coping strategies from Dr. Lynn Kleiman Malinoff in this insightful episode.
61 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Supportive
Engaging
Empowering
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Dawn Farm
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!The Ripple Effect: How Addiction Shapes Family Dynamics
Substance addiction is often described as a family condition. Each member of the family unit is affected by addiction within the family and often family members do not realize how profoundly they have been affected.
Imagine living in a house where chaos is the norm and every family member is caught in the whirlwind of addiction. In this episode of the Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series, Dr. Lynn Kleiman Malinoff takes us on a journey through the intricate web of family dynamics impacted by substance addiction. Dr. Malinoff, an expert in the field, breaks down how each member of a family is uniquely affected when addiction takes hold.
She explains that addiction isn't just an individual struggle; it's a family condition that reshapes relationships and roles within the household. From parents to children, everyone develops coping mechanisms—some helpful, others harmful—to survive the turmoil. One of the key points Dr. Malinoff makes is about the roles and defense mechanisms family members adopt to manage the chaos. These roles can lead to dysfunction and make it difficult for family members to support each other effectively.
For instance, children might become overly responsible or seek approval constantly, while parents might fall into patterns of enabling or victimization. The episode also dives into the importance of family involvement in the recovery process. Dr. Malinoff emphasizes that recovery isn't just for the person with the addiction; it's a collective journey. She discusses how mutual self-help groups can be a lifeline for families, offering both support and strategies for coping. Dr.
Malinoff doesn't shy away from discussing the darker consequences of addiction, such as car accidents, violence, overdoses, and even suicide. She highlights how these events further strain family bonds and increase stress levels. But it's not all grim; she offers practical advice for reducing family stress and fostering healthier dynamics.
One particularly poignant piece of advice she shares is about giving children the dignity to experience the consequences of their actions, framing these moments as opportunities for growth rather than failures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. It offers a compassionate look at the struggles families face and provides actionable insights for navigating these challenges together.