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The Many Hats of Addiction
Finding Hope Family Support Groups
Written By
Finding Hope Team
The Many Hats of Addiction
Have you ever found yourself wearing a hat that wasn’t yours? Maybe it didn’t quite fit, felt uncomfortable, or just wasn’t you. You spent the whole day adjusting it, feeling off balance, maybe even overwhelmed.
Now, think about that in the context of loving someone who struggles with addiction. How many “hats” have you picked up that were never yours to wear in the first place?
Let’s Talk About the Hats We Wear
When we love someone caught in addiction, it’s easy to slip into roles we were never meant to carry — roles like secretary, nurse, counselor, banker, shopper, sponsor, investigator, maid, boss, taxi driver… even trying to play the role of God.
- How does it feel to wear all of those hats?
- Why do we take them on?
- Do we truly need to wear them?
Out of Position
If we’re wearing hats that God never gave us, we’re likely missing the one He did.
When we take on roles not designed for us, not only do we end up exhausted and frustrated, but we also prevent others — including our loved ones — from stepping into their God-given roles.
- What roles in your life have been neglected or worn thin because you're carrying too much?
- What responsibilities are you holding that someone else should be learning to handle?
Reclaiming God-Given Roles
“I am (loved one’s name)’s (your role: mom, son, wife, friend, etc.).”
- What does that relationship look like when aligned with God’s vision?
- What might shift in your life — and theirs — if you reclaimed the role God intended for you?
Your Role Matters
God chose you for this relationship. He made you their mom. Their wife. Their brother. Their son. That wasn’t an accident.
This week, ask Him for the strength to lay down the roles you were never meant to carry, and the wisdom to step boldly back into the one He created just for you.
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV
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Faith-based support groups for families of addicts.
