There’s a massive disparity between the number of people who need addiction treatment and those who seek it. This leaves many people wondering what the hold up is. Some don’t see the value of undergoing rehab. Others, however, experience the enabling behavior of friends or relatives, which could prevent them from reaching out.
Typical Enabling Behavior Examples you Might be Guilty Of
Do you have a friend or loved one who’s struggling with substance abuse? Is it possible that your enabling behavior keeps the addiction going — at least in part? There are plenty of ways that you could be making drug use more comfortable for this person. For example, do you make it a point to ignore signs of drug use?
If your loved ones coming to dinner while intoxicated, do you let it slide? By accepting the behavior and pretending that nothing’s wrong, you signal that you allow drug use. When this individual wouldn’t dream of showing up drunk or high elsewhere, you’re the safe spot. Although that sounds like it’s a good thing, consider that you’ve eliminated the need to change.
If you do acknowledge the intoxication, you might play into the person’s hands by blaming others for the behavior. A strict professor, demanding boss, or exasperated spouse become scapegoats. If it weren’t for them, your friend or loved one wouldn’t be using. However, that’s not the truth.
Are You in a Codependent Relationship?
Things take a darker twist when you’re in a relationship with someone who uses drugs. You might be trying to keep the peace by making excuses for your partner or cleaning up the messes. Maybe you spend money on lawyers and tickets. As long as the codependency continues, there won’t be changes.
However, there’s hope. Your partner needs to enter rehab and overcome the addiction. You need counseling to overcome the co-dependent aspect of your relationship. Will your partner choose to make the changes necessary?
That’s up to her or him.
Family Therapy is a Crucial Part of Healing
You and your loved one can undergo this modality at a rehab facility. It helps you re-establish healthy communication patterns. Moreover, you re-evaluate the boundaries that currently exist in your relationship. New coping mechanisms are another learning element that can support the changes you’re making in the relationship.
Addressing Drug Abuse and Denial in Rehab
Your loved one may be reluctant to enter rehab. This reluctance is totally normal. Therapists there will customize a treatment protocol that meets their needs. Examples of treatments include:
- Addiction education that explains how substance abuse affects the users and others
- Gender-specific rehab, which provides a safe and nurturing backdrop for treatments
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders
- Trauma treatment for program participants with unresolved situations from the past
- Behavioral therapy as a means of overcoming dysfunction in thoughts, feelings, and actions
Don’t allow enabling behavior to get in the way of healing. At Crestview Recovery, caring therapists understand the devastation of codependent relationships. Let them help you make changes. Call 866.262.0531 today.
