Multicultural Teaching about the Cycle of Addiction: How the Enabler Keeps the Addict Sick

Author/ Authors/ Presenter/ Presenters/ Panelists:

Tina Lott-Kamara, Governors State University

Location

Hall of Governors

Start Date

4-1-2016 10:00 AM

End Date

4-1-2016 12:00 PM

Other Presentation Disciplines:

Ms. Tina Lott-Kamara is a graduate student in the Doctoral Program for Counselor Education and Supervision, College of Education.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this presentation is to educate participants on the detrimental effects of addiction in the family system and offer interventions that can be taught in the classroom to counselors-in-training. Addiction is a family disease. Many families are affected by addiction and are not aware of the nonproductive cyclical roles they play in keeping the addiction going. One particular role in the diseased family that aids in keeping the addict sick is the role of the enabler. The enabler makes the addict’s life easier and does not have consequences for the addict. The enabler’s personal needs are met by taking care of the addict and focusing their attention and emotions on the addict. If families and addicts can understand this dynamic, then they can make a change in the system that no longer supports the disease of addiction and instead create an opportunity for healing. The presenter will demonstrate how the behaviors of the enabler in the family keep the addict sick. The presenter will discuss ways to help counselor educators and supervisors teach effective intervention strategies for families with addiction problems. Scenarios related to addiction coupled with possible action plans will be provided to serve as a framework for how this can be taught by counselor educators, supervisors and students who work with clients with addiction issues from various cultural backgrounds.

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Apr 1st, 10:00 AM Apr 1st, 12:00 PM

Multicultural Teaching about the Cycle of Addiction: How the Enabler Keeps the Addict Sick

Hall of Governors

The primary purpose of this presentation is to educate participants on the detrimental effects of addiction in the family system and offer interventions that can be taught in the classroom to counselors-in-training. Addiction is a family disease. Many families are affected by addiction and are not aware of the nonproductive cyclical roles they play in keeping the addiction going. One particular role in the diseased family that aids in keeping the addict sick is the role of the enabler. The enabler makes the addict’s life easier and does not have consequences for the addict. The enabler’s personal needs are met by taking care of the addict and focusing their attention and emotions on the addict. If families and addicts can understand this dynamic, then they can make a change in the system that no longer supports the disease of addiction and instead create an opportunity for healing. The presenter will demonstrate how the behaviors of the enabler in the family keep the addict sick. The presenter will discuss ways to help counselor educators and supervisors teach effective intervention strategies for families with addiction problems. Scenarios related to addiction coupled with possible action plans will be provided to serve as a framework for how this can be taught by counselor educators, supervisors and students who work with clients with addiction issues from various cultural backgrounds.