National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What role does the Hero play in a family affected by addiction?

1. Downplays issues to be humorous

2. Acts as a placeholder to avoid chaos

3. Overachieves to gain attention and recognition

4. Facilitates communication between members

The correct answer is: Overachieves to gain attention and recognition

In families affected by addiction, the Hero often takes on the role of the overachiever, striving for excellence in various aspects of life—be it academics, sports, or career endeavors. This behavior is often driven by a desire to gain attention and recognition, which serves as a coping mechanism for the underlying dysfunction present within the family. The Hero believes that by excelling, they can distract others from the addiction-related issues and bring a sense of pride to the family, thereby filling the void left by the struggles of the addicted family member. This pursuit of achievement not only aims to garner positive attention but often becomes a way for the Hero to establish a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic environment. The underlying pressure to succeed can be immense, as these individuals may feel responsible for holding the family together, all while masking their struggles and emotional pain. The Hero's role, while occasionally beneficial in terms of family image, can also lead to issues such as burnout or feelings of inadequacy when they fail to live up to their own high standards.