When someone has become addicted to drugs or alcohol, they usually haven’t gotten that far in their drug use all on their own. Close friends, family members, colleagues, or other acquaintances may be what many describe as “enablers.” Getting through to a loved one about the seriousness of their addiction can be made more difficult with this kind of person around.
Solution Based Treatment & Detox in Southern California offers addiction treatment programs, which can help you in understanding the personality characteristics of an enabler and more. Reach out to our welcoming staff today when you send a message online, or call 833.999.1941.
15 Characteristics of an Enabler
When someone is abusing drugs or alcohol, it can be a lot easier to excuse when they have an enabler allowing them to stay addicted. This person may be unaware of the seriousness of the situation, but it doesn’t change the effects of their actions.
Here are 15 characteristics of an enabler:
- Aversion to conflict, and avoiding certain people or topics to maintain the status quo
- Denial about how serious the drug or alcohol abuse has become
- Keeps true feelings and emotions hidden
- Financially supports the drug or alcohol use
- Takes on responsibilities of the person who is abusing drugs or alcohol
- Manipulates, deceives, or lies on behalf of a loved one to cover up their addiction
- False sense of hope and insistence that things will get better on their own
- Treats the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol like they are a child
- Tries to control the person who is addicted
- Protects and defends the person’s use of drugs or alcohol
- Participates in drug or alcohol abuse
- Allows boundaries to be crossed that previously had been agreed on
- Feels resentment after some time toward the person who is addicted
- Sacrifices personal relationships, valuable time, or property for the person’s drug or alcohol habit
- Has their own history of drug or alcohol abuse
Like Attracts Like
When it comes to drug and alcohol abuse, like attracts like. If your loved one is dealing with an enabler who is feeding their addiction cycles, it may not even be the first enabler they have had. Until they are faced with real consequences and someone who stands for healthier boundaries, it may be nearly impossible to get them into treatment.
Professional interventionist services may be helpful in navigating situations where a loved one is being “helped” by an enabler. Find out more about addiction treatment programs near you and how a team of non-judgmental and caring specialists can help.
Empowerment Over Enabling at Solution Based Treatment & Detox
One of the difficulties of dealing with an enabler is that they may actually think they are empowering your loved one to live a happy life. Unfortunately, the disease of addiction isn’t something to take lightly, and it can destroy people’s lives. At Solution Based Treatment & Detox, our team focuses on empowering our clients to live their best lives without having to rely on drugs or alcohol.
Find out more about our addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Benzo addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Marijuana addiction treatment
At our full-service center, you can feel comfortable and included. Family, group, and individual therapy can help you practice skills and tools to get through triggers and stress without needing drugs or alcohol. With time, practice, and holistic support, you can feel a natural high without having to rely on any one person, substance, or drink.
Reconnect With Your Inner Strength Today at SBT&D
People who act as enablers can seem like they care and want you to succeed. However, the truth is that you already have everything it takes to thrive without drugs, alcohol, or enablers. When you come to Solution Based Treatment & Detox, our compassionate team and motivated peer groups can help you find the strength within yourself to live a sober life with ease. Give our experienced team a call today at 833.999.1941, or fill out our online form and give yourself the gift of self-empowerment.