Mini Series 6 - Myth: Addiction is the addict's problem

Busting Addiction and Its Myths

In this podcast... we confront and smash the following myth:
Myth: Addiction is the addict's problem.

1. Addiction is also society's problem, as is alcoholism. Half of the 30,000 vehicular deaths in the US every year can be attributed to drink-driving, and countless other deaths can be attributed to driving under the influence of drugs as well.
2. Another dimension to the problem is the effect it has on the family of origin; it distorts the family dynamic in profoundly unhealthy ways.
3. Effects on the family include enabling, as in lying to cover for the addict, resentment over "how could he do this to me?", distrust and denial.
4. Shame is probably the greatest provocateur of denial. Shame isolates the family, as no one should know lest they look bad in the eyes of relatives and friends. Shame results in blaming each other for the horrible situation they find themselves in.

Addiction is called a family disease, as no one escapes the wrath of this powerful disorder. Beyond its effects on society as a whole, it causes profound damage in the home itself. It turns out that the entire family needs to recover.