Many people support, excuse, provide for addicts because they want to be seen as loving, sweet, supportive people. They feel good when they are rescuing others.
But enabling is always wrong because it makes further dangerous and addictive behavior possible. Without your support the addict’s life would quickly fall apart and they would be forced to see the damage they have done to themselves and others, thus making recovery possible.
Because enablers see themselves as loving, and “the only one who understands”, it’s important to remind enablers of this one idea: It’s not about you.
It’s the toughest thing for enablers to remember, but it could begin a path to more healthy relationships and recovery.
First Aid for Enablers is available in Kindle or in paperback.
David Curry
