SCHOOL BASED ASSESSEMENT FOR

ENGLISH A

TOPIC: Drugs
Sub-theme: The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Family

Presented by:
NAME: Joshua Bent
CANDIDATES NUMBER:
CLIFTON HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Plan of Investigation
Reflection#1
Reflection#2
Reflection#3
Written Report
Plan of Oral Presentation
References
Appendices-(Resources)
 PLAN OF INVESTIGATION
The theme chosen is Drugs and the topic is “The Effects of Drug Addiction on the
Family”. This topic was selected because people are having problems with drug
addiction. Drug addiction makes people lose their lives and minds. As a student of
English, I expect to increase my vocabulary, increase my knowledge on this
specific topic and improve my research skills. I plan to use the internet to find
articles, blogs and poems on the topic. These pieces will be analysed for use of
language techniques, writers’ purpose and main idea and these will be used in
group discussions and reflection on the topic.

9/10
 Reflection 1
When I began this SBA, I had a number of thoughts on how drug use affects the
family. I thought that who abuse drugs could die from overdosing. This could lead
other family members being depressed and start using drugs too. Also, I thought
that family members can cause the family to separate.

After reading the three pieces, I have a good understanding of how drug use affects
the family. The poem by Adalfo Vasquez, (year unknown) shows that drug abuse
impacts the family negatively. It was sad to read that the children whose parents
abuse drugs are physically and emotionally abusive. The child eventually lives the
same life then struggles to reclaim her childhood. The use of drugs can cause the
user to become violent. The blog post by Sandy Baker (October 18th 2017)
confirmed that drug abuse causes emotional strain on family members. They
become worried family members which could lead anxiety and depression.
However, it was sad to learn that family members become resentful to the abuser.
Also, it causes challenges but more surprisingly healthy complications may be
experienced. The article by drugs i.e. (2019) stated that whole families can seem to
go to pieces when there is a son or daughter using drugs or alcohol. Parents fall out
with each other how to handle the situation, while other sons and daughter can get
blamed for being a bad example. The drug user gets so much attention that others
are neglected.
4/5

Reflection 2

(Where is the topic sentences?)

The poem uses emotive language. An example of this is burning my skin those
drug red lips and robbing my childhood with your dope hits. This highlights the
horrors that children are subjected to because of living with a parent who abuses
drugs. The last stanza ends with a single word, worthless, which shows the
abandonment of loveliness of the child.

Secondly, in the blog post by sandy baker simple language was used. This makes it
easier for the reader, the general public, to understand the information
communicated. Also, sub-headings were used to tell the reader what each
paragraph is about. The reader can find easy information.

Finally, the article post by drug i.e. uses comparison. An example of this (you
could say that the person with the problem is like someone stuck in a bog. The
other family members, in their efforts to help, often get pulled down into the bog
too.) This shows the emotional stress that drug abuse causes the family. Also,
rhetorical question was used. Example, can you see yourself in one of these roles,
or in elements of a couple of them? This causes the reader, the person that abuses
drugs, to think about their role, if any in their role in pressuring other members of
the family. 4/5

Reflection 3
The SBA process has helped me in many ways. Firstly, it helped me to understand
that I can conduct research when I do not understand a topic. Before this, I would
complain and get frustrated when I am uncertain about a topic taught in class.
Now, my approach will change.

Secondly, it has helped me to communicate and work with other people. Iam
usually the type of person that doesn’t work with many people. However, this SBA
made me build confidence and taught me to communicate and work with others.
The third attempt of working with my group may not be the best but Iam learning
step by step.

Finally, the SBA has helped me to share my thoughts with others. Because I
couldn’t want to be mocked. Since all members of the group had to interact with
each other, I began to see the benefits. When we shared our thoughts other group
members can help you when you make mistakes and misinterpret something. Iam
glad that I was in a group and Iam thankful for this SBA.

5/5
 Appendices

Effects on the familyTweet

How drugs affect familiesHow drugs affect families
This section looks at the effects on the family when someone is abusing alcohol or
other drugs. In many cases the person is not an addict or an alcoholic. They are just
drinking or taking drugs in a way which upsets others. With this in mind we look at
the following five scenarios:

How a parent with a drug or alcohol problem affects the whole family
How a partner with a drug or alcohol problem affects the other partner
How a parent's addiction may affect their son or daughter
How a son or daughter with an addiction problem affects the whole family
Family support
How a parent with a drug or alcohol problem affects the whole family
It is well known that a parent with a drug or alcohol problem can have a negative
effect on their family members. You could say that the person with the problem is
like someone stuck in a bog. The other family members, in their efforts to help,
often get pulled down into the bog too. The first step in putting things right is when
the others start to get their own feet on solid ground. Only after they have done this
will they be able to help tackle the addiction problem.

Sharon Wegscheider (USA) has pointed out some of the ways in which other
family members can be affected. (Reference: Sharon Wegscheider, The Family,
Trap Johnson Institute, Minnesota U.S.A., 1976).
How a partner with a drug or alcohol problem affects the other partner
It is not easy to live with a person whose drinking or drug use is causing problems.
The drinker or drug user is often full of conflict, torn between wanting their drug
or alcohol and not wanting the harm that always seems to follow. They often blame
others when things go wrong.

The partner or spouse of the addict or alcoholic often doubts themselves: Am I not
a good enough partner? How can I get them to stop taking that drug? How can I
protect my children? How can I hide this from my family and neighbours?

The partner often feels hurt, ashamed, afraid, and has an overwhelming sense of
failure. Unfortunately, many partners then work even harder to ‘fix’ the situation,
taking on extra responsibilities, trying to cover up the mess… fighting a losing
battle.

If you are that partner, the first step towards putting things right is to take some
time for yourself, and get the support you need. A good friend or a counsellor can
be a great help. See ‘family support’ below.

How a parent's addiction may affect their son or daughter

The son or daughter of a parent abusing alcohol or drugs can also end up bogged
down. They often adopt a role which helps the family, but they may get stuck in the
role and neglect their own needs. Sharon Wegscheider describes some of these
roles. Can you see yourself in one of these roles, or in elements of a couple of
them? You can change! It’s easier if you get support.

The Family Hero

This is often the eldest in the family. This person is responsible, works hard for
approval, and often appears successful. But inside, this person often feels insecure,
as if things are always going to go wrong, and feels incompetent, confused and
angry.
The Scapegoat
This person feels blamed when things go wrong. Everyone focuses on this person’s
faults, which provides the family with a distraction from the real problem. So this
person often seems rebellious, troublesome, law-breaking, tough… and may be at
risk of abusing drugs themselves. Inside, this person is often full of fear, hurt,
rejection and loneliness, feeling angry at the unfairness of how they are treated.
The Lost Child
This son or daughter appears as a dreamer, drifting above the troubled waters that
bother other people. But inside, the person is not as contented as they appear. They
are quietly hurt, angry, lonely, with a feeling of being inadequate.
The Mascot
Sometimes also referred to as the clown, the person in this role is often charming
and cute, fun to be with, quick to make a joke. Sometimes they are quite hyper-
active and flit from one interest to another; sometimes quite fragile and easily hurt.
But they are good at hiding the hurt, and other feelings of loneliness, insecurity,
fear and low self-esteem.
If you recognise any of these roles as being ‘you’, the first step to putting things
right is to take time for yourself, to talk to a friend or a counsellor. Stop thinking
about the addicted person for a while (easier said than done!) and pay attention to
your own real needs. See the ‘family support’ section below.

How a son or daughter with an addiction affects the whole family

Whole families can seem to go to pieces when there is a son or daughter using
drugs or alcohol. Parents fall out with each other over how to handle the situation,
while other sons or daughters can get blamed for being a bad example. The drug
user gets so much attention that others are neglected. Rows and bad language upset
the peace. If peace and love are the oxygen of life, then the whole family is
gasping for breath.

In an airplane, if the oxygen masks are released, parents are supposed to put on
their own masks before attending to their children’s masks. The same is true here.
You must look after your own needs before helping the one causing the problem.
Even if you are the only person in the family who recognises the alcohol or drug
problem, it is worth while getting support for yourself, from a friend or a trusted
teacher or a counsellor.

Family support
Support for families is available from a number of sources:

The National Family Support Network has a network of family support groups
throughout Ireland. Family support groups have helped many families to hold their
heads up again, when they had been bowed down with embarrassment and shame
due to a son or daughter using drugs and causing trouble for neighbours. For more
information on The National Family Support Network visit their website at
www.fsn.ie or call (01) 8980148.

Community Alcohol Services and Community Drug Services are run by the HSE
and are generally free. Many provide support and information for families to
maintain their dignity and sanity when a family member is abusing drugs or
alcohol.

Many addiction treatment services provide support for families.

See the Drugs.ie Services Directory for a list of services.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Drug Use on Families?
OCTOBER 18, 2017 CATEGORIES: ARTICLES
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Drug Use on Families? - silhouette of family
By Sandy Baker

Many people understand the long-term impact drugs have on the person using
them.
These range from memory loss to a higher risk of developing depression and
anxiety. Yet, within families, there are also risks, many of which weigh on the
minds of loved ones for years to come. Whether you are an individual on the path
to recovery or you are a loved one trying to provide the highest level of support
possible along that route, it’s important to understand what’s to come.

It’s Family Damage

Drug and alcohol abuse impacts the lives of both users and their families. It’s hard
to really see the level of damage potential this type of abusive behavior has on the
family unit. Yet, in nearly every case, personal relationships are strained. Family
members develop different ways of speaking to each other and the entire family
dynamic can shift to accommodate the new challenges drugs and alcohol bring
with them.

Emotional Strain Can Last Years

Perhaps the most complex impact drug use has on families is an emotional strain.
Loved ones worry about the drug user. Where is she? Why didn’t he come home?
During the using phase, individuals may develop a sense of fear and worry. This
can worsen over time, leading to anxiety and depression.

In some cases, it can also lead to resentment. A sibling may watch a parent struggle
to cope with the drug abuse of his or her sister or brother. Children watch their
parents struggle and resent the impact this creates on their lives, whether it be in
the form of financial difficulty or embarrassing situations at school. Over time,
resentment can develop into a level of anger.

There’s often a constant level of conflicting emotions within the family unit during
the abuse and through recovery. At one end, the family members feel as if they are
tired of the lies and pain that come from the drug use. At the other end, they want
to help their loved one through this time. It’s hard to navigate. The path forward for
family members is rarely straight and can be just as insecure as that path is for the
person recovering.

Financial Strains Often Develop

Whether it is a loved one enabling a person through drug and alcohol purchases or
paying for the cost of treatment and relapse care, it is quite common for families to
face financial obstacles for years to come. Financially, drug and alcohol use, detox,
treatment, and recovery is often costly. This is compounded by any health
complications that arise. It may put a family’s home on the line.

Even through recovery, financial difficulties can remain for a person working to
overcome a substance use disorder. It can be hard to get a job, difficult to obtain an
education, and even harder to repay all of the debt owed. The entire family may
struggle as a result.

The Impact on Family Health

As noted, those who use drugs and alcohol will likely struggle with health
complications for many years. However, poor health can also impact many
members of the family. For example, the parents of a person in recovery may face
debilitating health complications from high stress levels, anxiety, depression, and
taking poor care of themselves. Siblings may not receive the routine medical care
necessary due to limited finances. The emotional trauma itself can make holding a
job – for anyone in the family – difficult to do.
Overcoming These Obstacles: Is the Path Forward Still Worth It?
Looking at any of these factors can paint a very bleak view. Why go through
recovery and face your demons when there is so much trouble out there? It’s worth
it. And, your family loves you enough to put themselves through this turmoil for
your recovery.

Recognize the damage done, not just on the recovering drug or alcohol abuser, but
on the entire family.
Seek out ongoing treatment for all members of the family. Most families need care
during the detox phase and for years following.
Encourage individual members of the family to seek out additional mental health
care to help that person deal with the unique impact the abuse has created.
Work with counselors to create a way forward. While this trauma is bad, relapse is
only prolonging the struggle. Develop a plan to get the help you need to avoid
relapse.
Fight it out. Talk it out. Consistently work on it. Forgive each other. Forget. And,
repeat this as many times as necessary to work through the emotional trauma.
Addiction is not a disease that impacts just one person. It impacts every member of
the family in various ways. From spouses to children to parents and siblings, every
person within the family unit will react and struggle in a different manner.
However, treatment is available to help every member of the family to learn how to
accept and move past these feelings and difficulties.

At the Ranch at Dove Tree, family counseling and support is routinely available.
This is a family disease, one managed by every member working together on the
path towards recovery. Contact us now to learn more about how we can support
you on this journey.
 Bibliography
Baker, Sandy. (2019). How drugs affect the family blog received from
https://ranchatdovetree.com/blog/what-are-the-long-term-effects-of-drug-use-on-
family.

Anonymous. (Unknown). How drugs affect the family article. Retrieved from
http://www.services.drugs.ie/

Vasquez, Adolfo. (Unknown). How drugs affect the family poem. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?
q=how+drugs+affect+the+family+poem+by+adolfo+vasquez&safe=strict&rlz=1C
1GCEA_enKY853KY853&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiPjeic
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niAhVhvlkKHeojAc0Q_AUIECgB&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=ioeM1P_5dIqMI
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