This qualitative and ethnographic research was based on structured interviews and treatment observation of 14 college students from severly chemically dependent, dysfunctional, and sexually abusive families (CDs). It describes the competitive forces that appear to produce role over-assimilation or sterotypy among CDs. Sexual abuse was found to be endemic in the CD subculture, having its roots in the competitive structure of the family. A counseling strategy was described that focused on helping CD students move through role developmental stages toward greater psychological separation.