WK3Assgn_O'Rourke_T (3)

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 Supporting Families of Individuals with Addiction Tifany O’Rourke Walden University HUMN - 2014: Introduction to Addiction Studies Dr. Mary Wells, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology January 29, 2023

2 Supporting Families of Individuals with Addiction One thing that stuck out to me in the family dynamics of the Hart City - Family Services Case Study was the possibility of attachment issues amongst generations of the family. Because Ronald grew up in a distant, working-class family, and felt lost in his large family, there may have been some attachment issues there, although he had a close relationship with his Gram. Studies have shown that families with Substance Use Disorders may significantly influence child development and the likelihood that a child will struggle with emotional, behavioral, or substance use problems (SAMHSA, 2003 as cited in Lander et al., 2013 ). Ronald seemed to have struggled with possibly some ADHD symptoms when he was a young child, as he was easily distracted as a child, although he was never diagnosed with this disorder. He struggled with self-identity until becoming a part of a program, but abandoned his wants/needs after his girlfriend became pregnant. Through the lens of attachment theory, this may help in understanding him putting himself on the backburner and possibly being codependent on Rachel. Rachel and Ronalds unhealthy relationship didn’t go far, as Rachel felt trapped in the relationship/family and left. She didn’t want anything to do with Ava, and maybe Ava felt and learned this some in infancy attachment?? I wonder also, if Ronald ever felt this same way, although he didn’t abandon the family and/or Ava, as he abandoned his plans when Rachel became pregnant. He never voiced this, but maybe could’ve caused some internal anger towards himself, which ultimately could have come out sideways in him and Rachel’s relationship. Not only may Ava have had some attachment issues at birth, Ava possibly had attachment issues when her mother left and didn’t want anything to do with her. Emotionally, Ronald couldn’t find healthy ways to deal with these life challenges and began drinking more and more after Rachel abandoned the family. This was an unhealthy

3 response to the addiction for Ronald, which ultimately led to unhealthy responses from Ava as her grades began dropping in school, except art class, which seems to possibly be a love for her and she finds calmness or maybe self-identity in art. These unhealthy responses from Ronald also affected Eun, his new wife and family, as she had to begin to pick up slack cleaning for financial reasons and cleaning up messes after Ronalds angry outburst and his SUD. After him losing his job and health insurance and Ava losing her medicine, her response was declining grades again and taking on the caretaker role of her baby brother, which she was not happy about because it interfered with something that she loved and some part of her freedom (art camp). Emotional connection seems to be the most pressing need faced by the family and its members. Ultimately, each member should take a look at themselves and what they are putting in, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Ultimately, not to place blame on anybody, but Ronald and the family may benefit from Ronald taking a look at himself and behavioral patterns. The truth is that Rachel left and the relationship with Eun seems to be struggling some. Healthy emotional connections within the family may help each individual to feel truly seen, heard, and appreciated. Attention seems to be lacking in this family’s dynamics. This may in turn make individuals feel lost and may be harmful with self-identity development. Without a healthy attachment system, a child is more vulnerable to stress, and more susceptible to trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental illness (Lander et al., 2013). A recommended service that may help this family could take an integrated approach or intervention where family counseling can effectively address multiple problems by taking into account each family member’s issues as they relate to the substance misuse and the effects of each member’s issues on the family system (Substance Abuse and Mental Health, 2020). With this approach, each person may be able to see their individual behavior and how it affects the

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