Redditor Shares How His Alcoholic Dad Wanted To Use Him To Take Money From His Uncle, But He Outsmarted Him And Took It All

Some of the behaviors of someone you care about who struggles with addiction may be perplexing and unpleasant to you. Two recurring themes in almost all addictions are deception and coercion on the part of the drug or alcohol abuser.

When dealing with someone you know who is addicted, it's crucial to keep in mind that addiction alters the brain. It makes people act in ways they may not have considered before their problems with drugs or alcohol.

Generally, the brain rewards positive actions such as spending time with friends and family, working out, or having a satisfying meal. Similarly, our ability to reason allows us to appropriately consider the effects of our actions and determine which ones are not worth taking.

However, the quick, artificial satisfaction that drugs and alcohol provide to the reward system far surpasses the pleasure derived from regular activities. As a result, the addict begins to crave the substance more and more, regardless of the repercussions.

The reward system is taken over by addiction to the point where the need for the substance outweighs important aspects of life. When these factors come together, a person's priorities are completely altered, leading them to lie and manipulate in order to feed their addiction. 

OP's dad was a hardcore alcoholic manipulator, and she got her petty revenge on him after so many years. Read her full story below.

OP writes

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It was a never-ending cycle of the OP's dad drinking and being a POS

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When someone wires you money, they get a code, then give you the code, and you get the money

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Understanding Family Dynamics and Manipulation

This situation sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics, particularly regarding manipulation and financial exploitation.

Dr. Judith Herman's research on trauma suggests that individuals raised in dysfunctional families may develop maladaptive coping strategies, including manipulation.

In this case, the Redditor's experience with their alcoholic father exemplifies how familial roles can become entangled with financial obligations.

The comments came in, in their hundreds, and we've gathered a bunch of them below

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The OP just honored his wishes

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He would be pretty cool to know

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The concept of learned helplessness is significant in understanding this scenario.

Research from Stanford University shows that individuals who experience repeated failures may come to believe they lack control over their circumstances.

This belief can perpetuate cycles of exploitation, as seen in the relationship between the Redditor and their father.

The OP explains what happened to the animals in the comments

It was a dog and two cats, and when my mom realized that he had fully left, she had to call the cops to break in so we could get them. There was poop literally everywhere, and no water or food, so it had been days. One of the cats we kept, and my mom found homes for the other two animals. The dog was really hard because my dad was so abusive; it had a lot of trauma and hated men, and the male cat was never neutered and was pretty wild, spraying everywhere, so my mom wouldn’t let us keep him.

Good on the OP for breaking the cycle

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OP knows very little about him

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Establishing a relationship with the uncle

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Navigating Financial Boundaries with Family

Establishing financial boundaries is crucial when dealing with family dynamics that involve manipulation.

According to Dr. Henry Cloud, boundaries help protect emotional well-being and prevent exploitation.

Learning to communicate one's financial limits can help mitigate feelings of guilt and resentment.

OP should thank the uncle

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OP should keep a lookout

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OP was in the right

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Therapeutic interventions can be beneficial in breaking the cycle of manipulation and fostering healthier family interactions.

Research indicates that family therapy can help individuals develop healthier communication patterns and address underlying issues.

Encouraging open discussions about family roles can lead to more equitable relationships.

The brain starts to adjust to a substance's repeated ingestion, which is when addiction begins. The brain's danger-sensing system is also impacted by addiction, causing people to experience worry and anxiety when they can't access the drug, leading to manipulation.

Many Redditors said OP's uncle has to know what's happening. It's not trustworthy to have OP's dad act as a go-between since he's trying to fill his pockets again.

The Role of Resilience in Family Relationships

Resilience plays a significant role in navigating complex family dynamics.

Studies show that individuals who cultivate resilience are better equipped to handle familial conflicts and emotional challenges.

Practicing self-care and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals can enhance resilience and emotional strength.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario illustrates the struggle between familial loyalty and personal integrity.

It's common for individuals in these situations to feel torn between wanting to help and protecting themselves from manipulation.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, understanding family dynamics and setting boundaries is essential for navigating complex relationships. According to Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, "Emotional regulation is key to maintaining healthy interactions within families." Additionally, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, emphasizes that "Setting clear boundaries is crucial for fostering respect and understanding in family relationships." These insights highlight the importance of emotional resilience and effective communication in navigating familial complexities.