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.

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

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

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.

Running Time: 25 min.

Claudia Black is a Ph.D., a world renowned author, lecturer, and specialist on addiction and family systems.