Out of love and fear, we do all sorts of things to protect our addicts. Most
of the things we do, however, actually help the addiction. As a result, the
addiction flourishes and our loved ones get sicker. This is called enabling.
Following is a list of some of the things we do which enable the
addiction:
- Give or lend money
- Provide a place to live
- Clean up after messes
- Supply a car
- Bail out of jail
- Lie to cover up problems
- Deny the addiction to others
- Ignore or laugh at the problem
- Argue, plead, beg, threaten, placate or bargain
- Put yourself in jeopardy
- Leave young children alone with the drinker/drug user
- Take over responsibilities
- Protect from negative consequences
- Avoid social functions