What's The Difference Between Helping and Enabling?

We all want to help our loved ones, especially when we see them struggling or in pain, but we have to know when we are helping and when we are enabling. When dealing with someone in active addiction this line between support/help and enabling can get very blurry. This post details all about the differences between helping/supporting vs enabling. It also explains things friends and family can do to help if they have someone in their lives who are in active addiction.

My parents went through hell when I was actively using. They struggled with this concept of support vs. enabling. Some things may seem they are helping, but it is actually hurting both you and the addict. A good example of this is when an addict is in withdrawal. I know many people who will buy their kids drugs when they are in withdrawal. My parents did this for me 2 times, then they stopped. Of course, at the time I was pissed, but as I look back I am very glad they made that decision. I had to start taking responsibility for my own actions.

A parent who buys their child drugs to avoid withdrawal is only dragging out the person's addiction. The addict starts to learn that they can use their parents for more money or drugs whenever they need to. This gives them and their addiction permission to keep using.

These principles can also be applied to other areas of life, not just addiction. Kids need to learn to be responsible for their actions. This allows them to grow up into successful well-adjusted adults.

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Soberdogs Recovery Does Not Promote Or Condone Any Drug Use. We are Dedicated To Providing Honest, Accurate, And Educational Information About Addiction and Recovery. Please Seek Professional Medical Help If Your Or Someone You Know Has An Addiction.

[manlikejcjc]

Every video you have made is so solid !!! love you K Rugzz

[tazscookingshow]

This really helped me as a mom of an addict. Thank you.

[bodgiepotbuddah]

Soberdogs I need your help from Buffalo boyfreind is a drunk and claims that he needs me to live with him and be in his life to maintain can not stand him he has been very abusive in the past....