Substance addiction, also known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. This disease is characterised by compulsive substance use despite understanding the harmful consequences.
While addiction is often understood through its physical and neurological effects, it is equally influenced by behavioural patterns and interpersonal dynamics.
The compulsive substance use also leads to other forms of behaviour and decisions which others may consider to be abnormal or uncharacteristic.
While addiction is a disease which directly affects the addicted person, the way we think and interact with others plays a significant role in both the development of addiction and its intensity.
Many individuals struggling with substance use find themselves caught in repetitive and unhealthy relationship cycles that reinforce their behaviour and compulsive habits.
This can come in the form of surrounding yourself with people who enable your addiction, not leaving harmful and toxic environments or relationships, and even blaming your addiction on others.
The Trauma Triangle, also known as the Karpman Drama Triangle, characterises the problematic behaviour of dysfunctional people.
While people suffering from addiction require support and sympathy, they may demonstrate some of the dysfunctional traits of the Trauma Triangle.
By identifying these dysfunctional traits, we can begin to understand why some people behave the way that they do, and we can help them understand what should be changed.
The Trauma Triangle model, developed by psychologist Stephen Karpman, describes dysfunctional social interactions and how people can assume roles to manipulate others or their version of reality.
The model outlines three roles that individuals may adopt in conflict or stressful situations:
People who show similar characteristics to those demonstrated through the Trauma Triangle interchange between the different roles, rather than sticking with one.
The individual may assume one role in a stressful situation, only to assume another in a different scenario.
Ultimately, this can fuel negative and dysfunctional behaviours by preventing the addicted person from taking accountability for negative actions and manipulating others.
The Trauma Triangle model outlines three roles; the Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer. Each has its own distinct characteristics and effects on substance addiction, relationships, and more.
The Victim role is characterised by feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, and lack of control.
By assuming the victim role, the person will feel overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding their addiction and other social issues. Additionally, they feel as if they are powerless to change their situation.
While many of these feelings can be brought on by legitimate issues and concerns, the victim may manifest more negativity or a profound sense of helplessness which makes it difficult to make a positive change in their life.
Under the victim role, the person may focus on external factors such as work stress, financial issues, social issues, or even other people’s behaviour as the primary reason that they are suffering from a substance addiction.
While all of these factors can certainly contribute to the development of an addiction, the victim will avoid taking any accountability for most actions.
Ultimately, the victim role is characterised by enhancing feelings of hopelessness and the inability for change.
On the other hand, the Persecutor role is associated with blaming and criticising other people, factors, or themselves to assume control over their situation.
The Persecutor can be both aggressive to blame others as well as themselves when things go wrong.
They may question other people, and use hindsight to judge their actions and validate their own thoughts. Or, they may even be incredibly harsh and critical of themselves whenever they do something wrong.
In the context of addiction, the Persecutor can reinforce feelings of guilt and shame. These feelings can intensify negative emotions – whether directed at someone else or at themselves – and sustain the destructive cycle of substance addiction and any other behavioural issues.
The Rescuer assumes that others can’t go without their help, and that they are essential to someone else’s wellbeing. While this can come across as helpful and supportive, it can be problematic because it can lead to a cycle of dependency.
It can also lead to the abandonment of themselves, under the guise of devoting to others. By focusing so much on the problems of others, they fail to take care of themselves or care for themselves to a much lesser extent.
They may have problems saying no to others, and seek confirmation or validation through others rather than themselves.
The trauma triangle isn’t always apparent in cases of addiction, but the model can help us understand the problematic behaviours of specific addicted people who are reluctant to seek help.
An addicted patient may assume the victim role, especially in the early stages of addiction to cope with emotional or social issues.
Then, they may become the persecutor by blaming others or themselves. Then, they may assume the rescuer role to focus on others rather than treating their addiction.
However, these roles can work in many different ways depending on a number of factors. Ultimately, shifting between these roles can obstruct the patient’s path towards recovery.
Trauma plays a significant role in shaping behavioural patterns with people suffering from mental health disorders, especially with substance addiction.
Early experiences, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can affect emotional regulation, how we respond to stressful environments, and someone’s interpersonal relationships.
When someone experiences trauma, the brain’s protective mechanisms become heightened. This can lead to increased sensitivity to stress and difficulty managing emotions.
As a result, individuals may be more likely to adopt roles within the Trauma Triangle as a way of coping. Substance use can then become a method of self-medication, further reinforcing these patterns.
A more constructive model, often referred to as the Empowerment Triangle, offers healthier and more proactive alternatives to the roles of the Trauma Triangle.
This shift promotes autonomy, resilience, and healthier interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in recovery.
Here’s how we can change the negative roles of the Trauma Triangle into a healthy and proactive character:
Breaking free from the Trauma Triangle begins with self-awareness. Recognising these roles in oneself and others is the first step toward meaningful change.
Individuals can begin to take responsibility for their actions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and establish clear boundaries in relationships. This involves moving away from blame, avoidance, and over-dependence, and towards accountability and self-regulation.
Admitting is the first step, but we also need self-awareness. However, it can be difficult knowing how our behaviour and thoughts look with complete objectivity. Addicted people can seek treatment from a licensed counsellor to help them identify any problematic traits that they aren’t aware of.
In addition to adopting the Empowerment Triangle to manifest a healthier lifestyle, entering a drug and alcohol rehab will yield the most optimal results for patients seeking addiction treatment.
At a drug and alcohol addiction rehab, patients will undergo more than just a medical detox.
In addition to a medical detox, they’ll undergo therapy with a licensed counsellor, group support sessions with other patients, holistic activities, relapse prevention planning, and more.
Therapy plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing the behaviours associated with the Trauma Triangle.
At a drug and alcohol rehab, you’ll undergo a range of therapeutic methods which will improve not only your thoughts and behaviour but your lifestyle.
Understanding the Drama Triangle provides individuals with the tools to recognise unhealthy behavioural patterns and make meaningful changes.
Each case of addiction is different, and each patient or addicted person is motivated or driven by different factors.
By identifying these roles, individuals can better identify and manage triggers, leading to an improvement in relationships and overall well-being, which are essential to preventing a relapse.
Recovery is not only about abstaining from substances, but changing the way we look at ourselves, behave, and manifest a healthy lifestyle
Substance addiction isn’t a choice, and recovery requires more than willpower alone. It involves addressing the psychological, behavioural, and social factors that contribute to substance use.
With the right support, individuals can break free from destructive cycles and develop a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Professional guidance, therapy, and strong support networks all play a vital role in this process.
Addiction is a complex condition influenced not only by brain chemistry, but also by behaviour and relationships. While there are many genetic, psychological, and biological components, substance addiction is often caused by social issues.
The Trauma Triangle highlights how certain roles can reinforce harmful cycles, making recovery more challenging.
By understanding and addressing these patterns, individuals can begin to step out of these roles and adopt healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
With the right support and self-awareness, long-term recovery is always achievable regardless of how small or big your addiction.
Reach out today by dialling the number 0800 140 4690, we can go as slowly or as quickly as you need.
When you call us, we’ll be at your disposal to answer questions, help you consider rehabilitation options, and more. Together, we can combat addiction.
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an advisor with more than 20 years in the field. His knowledge covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an advisor and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
