Showing Support Without Enabling
When addressing an addiction, consistent support is key. A person with a SUD needs support during treatment, through setbacks, and throughout recovery. However, there is a fine line between supporting someone with an addiction and enabling their addiction. Some well-intentioned behaviors can actually reinforce an addiction.
Explore the scenarios below to learn how to recognize behaviors that enable addictions.
Consequences
Allow natural consequences.
Avoid covering up the addiction, giving money, making excuses, or rescuing your loved one from the consequences of their substance use. While these actions may feel helpful, they can reduce accountability and make it easier for the addiction to continue. Experiencing natural consequences can motivate someone to recognize the problem and seek treatment.
Boundaries
Set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Clear, consistent boundaries help reinforce accountability. Inconsistent boundaries or repeatedly giving in can unintentionally support continued substance use.Whether it’s financial, emotional, or physical, boundaries are there to reinforce accountability.
Professional Help
Don't try to "fix" the addiction yourself.
While your support is valuable, relying only on family or friends instead of professional treatment can delay recovery. Encourage evidence-based treatment and ongoing support.
Consistency
Be consistent in your responses.
Mixed messages, such as setting limits one day and ignoring them the next, can reinforce addictive behaviors by creating uncertainty about consequences.
Protect Yourself
Protect your own well being.
Burnout, guilt, or feeling responsible for someone else's recovery can make it harder to maintain healthy boundaries. Taking care of yourself helps you provide support without enabling the addiction.
