Enabling can be described as allowing an individual addicted to a narcotic substance continue their habits without holding them accountable to their recovery. In other words enabling refers to any action or behaviour that protects, shields or supports a person’s addictive behavior. It often stems from a place of love, concern or fear of the consequences if the person’s addiction were exposed. Enabling can take many forms, such as covering up for the person making excuses for their behaviour or providing financial support that is likely to be used for substance abuse.

The origins of the term enabling in the addiction recovery community can be traced back to the concept of codependency, which emerged in the 1950s and gained recognition in the 1980s. Codependency refers to a pattern of behaviour where a person excessively relies on others for their self-esteem and identity. Enabling behaviour is a characteristic of codependency, as it allows the addiction to continue and obstructs the individual’s process to recovery.

Enabling is not helpful to someone struggling with substance abuse. Instead of addressing the underlying issues and promoting change, enabling only maintains the status quo and reinforces the addictive patterns. Although it may be challenging, it’s important for family and friends to recognise enabling behaviors and make a conscious effort to avoid them.

Some examples of enabling behaviors include lending money to a person with a known substance abuse problem, protecting them from the consequences of their actions or making excuses for their behavior. While these actions may seem helpful at first, they ultimately prevent the person from facing the reality of their addiction and seeking the necessary help.

If you find yourself enabling a loved one’s addiction, it’s essential to break this pattern. Set healthy boundaries, encourage treatment and prioritise your own well-being. By establishing clear expectations and refusing to enable their addictive behaviors, you can support your loved one’s recovery and promote positive change.

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