Family F.I.R.S.T.
Legacy Healing Center wholeheartedly believes that Families In Recovery Stay Together (F.I.R.S.T.). All of our support programs for families of those struggling with addiction are based on that belief.
We offer:
- Three virtual support sessions each week
- Quarterly family retreats that include psychoeducation and experiential therapies
- In-person family group sessions (available at certain locations)
We educate family members on proper self-care, both for themselves and their loved ones in recovery. We also help families set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and learn to forgive so there is a clear path forward for all involved.
Ultimately, we help rebuild relationships that have been strained by addiction, so you can once again form a meaningful connection with your loved one.
Therapeutic Help for Families of Addicts
Our family programs use psychotherapy to help parents, spouses, and siblings resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and improve communication while under the guidance of a therapist. The addict will not attend all sessions so that family members have a safe and comfortable space where they can openly communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Family therapy sessions are part of the addiction treatment programs offered at Legacy Healing Center. During therapy, family members learn about addiction and how to best support their loved one. Family members will have the option to meet individually with our therapists to work on personal healing and group sessions with the addict to work on rebuilding their relationship. The goal of therapy is stronger, healthier relationships that not only withstand the challenges of addiction recovery but also help the individual recover from addiction rather than enable their behavior.
Addiction Affects the Whole Family
We know addiction is a painful disease, not just for the person who suffers from it but for their loved ones as well. Very often, addiction sufferers will act in ways that damage finances, destroy trust, degrade relationships, and cause trauma.
As a parent, sibling, or child of an addict, you may feel hopeless, like you have lost the person you once loved. Although it may feel like a lost cause, know that with the right help, anyone can overcome addiction. Millions of people do it every year and earn the opportunity to rebuild their relationships with loved ones.
Always remember, while addiction may impact the whole family, recovery also impacts the whole family, and families in recovery stay together.
Family Roles in Addiction
As families navigate the unpredictability of addiction, these six roles tend to surface; understanding them can reduce shame and guide constructive responses.
1. The Addict
The addict is the focal point of the family. Whether intentionally or not, family members begin to spend more time and energy dealing with the addict by helping, enabling, or covering up their behavior to preserve the status quo. As the addict continues their behavior, family members may take on more roles without realizing it.
2. The Caretaker
Also known as the enabler, the caretaker often covers and makes excuses for the addict’s problems and responsibilities to keep everyone else happy. The caretaker is also known as the “martyr of the family” because they support the addict, shield the addict from the consequences of their actions, and often sacrifice their wants and needs to care for the addict.
3. The Hero
Similar to the caretaker, the hero of the family devotes their time and attention to covering up the addict’s mistakes to maintain the family’s “normal” appearance. The hero is typically portrayed as over-responsible, self-sufficient, or even a perfectionist.
4. The Scapegoat
This is the problem child, the opposite of the hero. Through acts of defiance or hostility toward other family members, the scapegoat provokes negative attention that ends up distracting from the addict’s behavior.
5. The Mascot
Known as the comedian of the group, the mascot often tries to reduce the stress caused by the addict with humor or silliness. They feel in control of the situation and aim to prevent any unpleasantness or stress within the family through antics and comedy. However, mascots often put pressure on themselves to ease the tension of the addict’s behavior, which can lead to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression.
6. The Lost Child
The lost child is the quiet family member who flies under the radar while other members play their own roles in dealing with the addict. The lost child stays out of the way and eventually avoids all interactions and disappears from the spotlight.
These roles perpetuate a dysfunctional family dynamic, which can ultimately damage various relationships within a family, not just those directly linked to the addict. Think hard about your family and whether you and your loved ones have adopted these roles. If so, our support groups for families of addicts can help you heal.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If your family is carrying the weight of a loved one’s addiction, you don’t have to navigate this path alone. Compassionate, expert support is just a phone call away. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 at (888) 534-2295 to guide you toward care that supports not only the individual in recovery, but the entire family system.
Not sure where to begin? We can help you understand your options, verify your insurance confidentially, and connect you with meaningful resources designed to bring clarity, direction, and hope. Whether you’re seeking guidance on family therapy, detox placement, or long-term treatment, you’ll find steady support every step of the way.
Reaching out is about getting help and reclaiming connection, trust, and peace of mind. Let today be the first step toward a healthier, more unified future for your family.
Immediate Help and Support
Whether you’re ready to begin or simply exploring what’s possible, these trusted resources are available to you:
Legacy Healing Center: Call (888) 534-2295 to speak confidentially with a treatment specialist who understands the needs of both individuals and families.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, 24/7 support for individuals and families affected by substance use.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate mental health or addiction-related crisis support.
You’re not alone. Healing starts with a single step—one that your family doesn’t have to take alone.