1. Wegscheider-Cruse Theory By: Brandi Warner

2. Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse

3. Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse Family Therapist Nationally known consultant, educator, and author Founding chairperson of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) Chairs countless conferences and conventions and provides keynote presentations

4. Family

5. Typical Roles * Substance Abuser * Chief Enabler * Family Hero * Family Scapegoat * Lost Child * Family Mascot

6. Substance Abuser

7. Substance Abuser Role: To act irresponsibly Purpose: To suppress more basic marital conflict To divert attention away from more threatening family issues

9. Abandonment of the parental power

10. Central activity becomes the drug use

12. Chief Enabler Role: To reduce the tension in the family by “smoothing things over” Purpose: Offers the family a sense of stability and protection

13. Chief Enabler Often unaware that the enabling behavior is contributing to the progression of the addiction Believe that they are simply being helpful and acting to hold their families together

14. Family Hero

15. Family Hero Role: Source of pride for the family Purpose: Offers the family a sense of being okay; To give them hope and something to feel good about

16. Family Hero Usually the oldest child Attempts to do everything right Helps care for younger siblings and complete household chores Frequently do well in academic and athletic pursuits

17. Family Hero Many later become “workaholics” May be susceptible to stress-related illnesses later in adulthood Ex.-stomach ulcers, coronary heart disease May be more prone to “Type A” Behavior as an adult Competitiveness, hostility, time urgency, etc.

18. Family Scapegoat

19. Family Scapegoat Role: Alter ego of the family hero Purpose: Offers the family a sense of purpose by providing someone to blame

20. Family Scapegoat Usually the second oldest child Expresses the family’s anger and frustration Male: may be violent Female: may runaway or engage in promiscuous sexual activity BOTH: most likely to abuse drugs also

21. Family Scapegoat This role allows the chemically dependent parent to blame someone else for his or her own drinking/drugging Shields the chemically dependent parent from some of the blame and resentment that would have been directed towards him/her.

22. Lost Child

23. Lost Child Role: Seeks to avoid conflict at all costs Purpose: Offers the family a sense of relief and success, and is not a trouble to the family

24. Lost Child May be a middle child; or maybe the youngest Very shy and withdrawn They tend to be followers, not leaders Often think that the family wouldn’t notice if they left

25. Lost Child Difficulty with developmental transitions as they fear taking risks May put off making decisions about careers or housing Trouble with intimate relationships As adults they may exhibit a myriad of mental health problems Anxiety Depression

26. Family Mascot

27. Family Mascot Role: To play the “family clown” Purpose: To bring laughter and fun into the home

28. Family Mascot Often is the youngest child in the family Develop a dire need for approval from others Viewed as the most fragile and vulnerable Behaviors are an act of defense against feelings of anxiety and inadequacy

29. Family Mascot As adults they tend to be very likeable but often appear anxious May self-medicate with alcohol and/or tranquilizers May be the one family member that nobody complains about