Those who struggle with drug or alcohol dependency often require a lot of emotional support. They may always seem to be short on cash as well. You want to help them, but don’t want to support their addiction. Knowing how to help an addict get better and change their destructive behavior patterns is not easy. Below is some advice on how to help an addiction without enabling them that we think you will find useful.
What Constitutes Enabling?
Those wanting to learn how to help an addict must first learn what enabling is. Enabling involves keeping someone from facing the consequences of his or her actions. Some ways in which people do this include:
- Loaning money or paying bills
- Lying or helping to cover up one’s drug use
- Allowing someone to live in your home even after breaking rules
- Helping an individual avoid legal consequences
- Performing more work around the house because the other person isn’t able to
People do these things for a number of reasons. Maybe it’s just easier to take on more responsibility than it is to get someone else to do them. Perhaps you worry that the kids will suffer or that you’ll face embarrassment if others find out.
What you may not realize is that by doing these things, you are making it more likely that someone will continue using drugs. Even so, it’s entirely possible to learn how to help an addict without enabling that person. Rather than rescuing others from their own bad choices, you should encourage them to seek addiction help instead.
How to Help an Addict
By now you are probably asking how to help an addict without enabling. If so, the first thing you should do is establish clear boundaries. Let your loved one know that you will no longer cover for their actions or rescue them from bad decision making. Once you have established this fact, follow through.
Look for signs that indicate you’re enabling. For example, think about whether you ignore certain problems or deny they even exist. Consider the lengths you go to in order to cover things up or prevent the another person from facing the consequences of their actions. Determine if you routinely place the addict’s needs above your own (or that of your children).
Crestview Recovery Knows How to Help an Addict Heal
Those interested in knowing how to help an addict without enabling often want to know more about Crestview Recovery and our addiction treatment programs. Some of the programs offered here at Crestview Recovery include:
Following intake, we come up with a custom treatment program, designed specifically for each individual client. We continually monitor their progress and will tweak their treatment plans accordingly. This ensures people always achieve the best possible results.
How to Help an Addict without Enabling
Would you like to know how to help an addict? If so, we have great news. By enrolling in Crestview Recovery, your loved one can regain control of their life again. Contact Crestview Recovery today at 8662620531 to find out more.
