Children growing up in alcoholic or drug abusive homes seldom learn the combination of roles which mold healthy personalities. Instead, they become locked into roles based on their perception of what they need to do to survive and to bring some stability to their lives. Children will assume roles which make life easier and less painful for them.

This video is a classic in the addictions field, addressing the roles of:

The Responsible One

This child assumes a great deal of responsibility for himself/herself and the other family members.

The Adjuster

This child finds it easier to follow directions, handle whatever needs to be handled and adjust to all circumstances.

The Placator

This is the child who tries to make others in the home feel better.

The Acting Out Child

This is the child who causes disruption in their own life and in the lives of every other family member.

In adulthood, alcohol and drugs give these children many of the things they didn't have time to learn. In a sense, they are set up for a psychological dependency on drugs and alcohol.

Claudia Black maintains the unique ability to illuminate and explain problematic and secret areas for those raised in dysfunctional familes.

Preview

To view the first 5 minutes of this video, click on the View Video Clip. You will need to have QuickTime Media Player installed on your computer. A free download is available here.

Running time is 25 minutes.

Handouts

To further your use of the Roles video, see Helpful Documents at the bottom of this page for a handout that you are free to use with clients.