Examples of Enabling
Examples of enabling behaviors include:
Enabling behaviors can be changed, and recovery is possible even if the chemically dependent person does not seek help.
ENABLING ≠ HELPING
Examples of enabling behaviors include:
- Making excuses for the addict/alcoholic (calling the alcoholic's boss to say they are sick with the flu, when they are really hung over, or referring to your teenager's drug use as 'just a phase')
- Paying their bills
- Bailing them out of jail
- Making rationalizations for their irresponsible behaviors
- Ignoring the problems caused by the addict's use ( financial, employment, legal)
- Cleaning up their messes
- Accepting their excuses or believing their lies
- Not discussing the problem of their chemical use
- Not getting help for yourself
Enabling behaviors can be changed, and recovery is possible even if the chemically dependent person does not seek help.
ENABLING ≠ HELPING