While many people are quick to blame their loved one’s drug addiction solely on the addict themselves, what they may not realize is that they are not helping.
Watching someone you love struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction is difficult, but could you actually be making matters worse?
At Banyan Philadelphia, we know that you want what is best for your addicted loved one, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. While it may be hard to hear, you could unknowingly be enabling their addiction.
Are You an Enabler?
An enabler is someone who allows an addict to continue their self-destructive behavior of abusing drugs and alcohol. Enablers may have good intentions but not realize that their behavior is actually harmful to their loved one. Their behavior may appear supportive, but in fact, what they are doing is still damaging. Enabling alcoholic behavior can be just as harmful as enabling the use of hard drugs like meth or cocaine. Enablers are trying to help but do not know how. Enabling is often a harmful result of codependency in relationships. Enabling can take place between family members, significant others, and friends.
Signs Of Enabling
Could you be part of the problem? Our Philly drug rehab is explaining some signs of enabling that you should be aware of so that you can recognize the problem and do something about it.
Some of the most common signs of enabling behavior include:
- Taking responsibility for the addict’s behavior
- Denying that your loved one has a problem or justifying it
- Lying on behalf of the addict in order to protect them or downplay their problem
- Ignoring and avoiding the problem altogether
- Allowing them to indulge in their addiction at home because it is “safer”
- Giving the addict money to sustain their addiction
- Not holding the addict accountable for their bad behavior
- Always putting the addict first and neglecting your own needs
- Trying to control the addict without finding any real solutions
I Am An Enabler. What Should I Do?
If this sounds like you, it is okay. We know you are just trying to help, but you can still be part of the solution. If your loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, there is a way to be supportive without enabling their addiction. The first thing you should do is to get them help. We offer everything from meth to alcohol treatment in Philadelphia for people just like your loved one. While your loved one is getting the help they need, we also offer family dynamic services as well as resources for addicts' family members.
Do not wait any longer. Get your loved one the help they need today by calling us at 888-280-4763. We will work with you to get your loved one on the path to a drug- and alcohol-free life.
