Enabling someone struggling with substance use refers to unintentionally or sometimes intentionally supporting and facilitating their addictive behavior, which ultimately perpetuates their substance abuse problem and prevents them from seeking help or making positive changes. Enabling can take various forms, such as providing financial assistance, covering up or minimizing the consequences of their actions, or making excuses for their behavior.
Enablers often act out of a desire to help and protect their loved ones from the negative consequences of addiction or to avoid conflict. However, enabling can actually be harmful in the long run, as it allows the person struggling with substance use to avoid facing the reality of their situation and the need for treatment.
Examples of enabling behaviors include:
- Giving money to the person, even if it's for basic necessities, when you suspect they may use it to buy drugs or alcohol.
- Making excuses for their absences or poor behavior to others, such as their employer, family, or friends.
- Taking responsibility for their obligations, like paying their bills or completing their tasks, when they are unable to do so due to substance use.
- Avoiding confrontation or not setting boundaries, even when their behavior is destructive.
- Cleaning up their messes or fixing the consequences of their substance use (e.g., hiding evidence, covering up accidents).
- Ignoring the problem or pretending it doesn't exist, hoping it will go away on its own.
Enabling can create a cycle where the person struggling with substance use feels like they can continue using because they won't face the full consequences of their actions. Consequently, the addiction can worsen, leading to more significant problems in their life and the lives of those around them.
It's essential for family members, friends, or anyone involved with someone dealing with substance use to recognize enabling behaviors and shift their approach to one that promotes healthier boundaries and encourages seeking professional help. Encouraging treatment and support, expressing concern without judgment, and seeking guidance from addiction professionals or support groups can be more effective ways to assist someone in their journey toward recovery.