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 addicted individual 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.
Do you need to know more about addiction treatment programs? If so, call us today at 866.262.0531.
What Constitutes Enabling?
Those wanting to learn how to help an addicted individual 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 Addicted Individual
By now you are probably asking how to help an addicted person 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 another person from facing the consequences of their actions. Determine if you routinely place the addicted person’s needs above your own (or that of your children).
Without question, encourage the individual to seek help. Start by researching information about addiction treatment, and then make a list of recommended facilities and programs that offer professional assistance. Offer to accompany them to their first appointment and if possible, continue going with them for support.
Also, focus on rebuilding relationships. Addiction often strains the important relationships in a person’s life, so seek to rebuild those connections by helping your loved one identify their feelings and address issues openly. Don’t be afraid to broach difficult topics but always remain positive and keep communication open.
Crestview Recovery Knows How to Help Addicted Individuals Heal
Those interested in knowing how to help an addicted person 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:
- Partial hospitalization program: Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers comprehensive, individualized treatment for individuals who are transitioning from inpatient treatment to a less intensive level of care.
- Intensive outpatient program: Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for individuals in the early stages of recovery. IOPs typically meet for three to five hours per day, depending on need and progress.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Our dual diagnosis treatment program provides integrated, comprehensive care for individuals who struggle with both addiction and mental illness.
- Aftercare: We provide aftercare services to individuals in order to help them maintain sobriety and continue recovery. Aftercare includes relapse prevention, support groups, individual counseling, life skills training, and more.
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 Addicted Person without Enabling
Would you like to know how to help someone with an addiction? 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 866.262.0531 to find out more.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
