There’s a massive disparity between the number of people who need addiction treatment and those who seek it. This leaves many people wondering how this could ever be the case. To these people, not seeking treatment indicates that people want to remain in addiction. Others simply don’t see the value of undergoing rehab treatment or they previously tried and relapsed. Some fear the perceived stigma of having to seek addiction treatment, which is a very real thing for many people. Finally, there are those who experience the enabling behavior of friends or relatives, which could prevent them from reaching out.
Typical Enabling Behavior Examples You Might Be Guilty Of
Do you have a friend or loved one who’s struggling with substance use? Is it possible that your enabling behavior keeps the addiction going—at least in part? There are plenty of ways that you could be making drug use more comfortable for this person. For example, do you make it a point to ignore signs of drug use? Do you turn a blind eye to what’s going on because facing is difficult?
If your loved ones come to dinner while intoxicated, do you let it slide? Do you avoid saying what needs to be said to avoid causing a scene?
By accepting the behavior and pretending that nothing’s wrong, you signal that you allow drug use. When this individual wouldn’t dream of showing up drunk or high elsewhere, you’re the safe spot. Although that sounds like it’s a good thing, consider that you’ve eliminated the need to change.
If you do acknowledge the intoxication, you might play into the person’s hands by blaming others for the behavior. A strict professor, demanding boss, or exasperated spouse become scapegoats. If it weren’t for them, your friend or loved one wouldn’t be using. However, that’s usually not the truth (or at least not the whole truth).
Are You in a Codependent Relationship?
Things take a darker twist when you’re in a relationship with someone who uses drugs. You might be trying to keep the peace by making excuses for your partner or cleaning up the messes. Maybe you spend money on lawyers and tickets. As long as the codependency continues, there won’t be changes. The pattern must continue unchanged. This, of course, sets the stage for an addiction to advance even further.
However, there’s hope. Your partner needs to enter rehab and overcome the addiction. You need counseling to overcome the co-dependent aspect of your relationship. Will your partner choose to make the changes necessary? In the end, that’s up to your partner.
Family Therapy is a Crucial Part of Healing
You and your loved one can undergo this modality at a rehab facility. It helps you re-establish healthy communication patterns. Moreover, you re-evaluate the boundaries that currently exist in your relationship. New coping mechanisms are another learning element that can support the changes you’re making in the relationship.
Addressing Drug Abuse and Denial in Rehab
Your loved one may be reluctant to enter rehab. This reluctance is totally normal. Therapists there will customize a treatment protocol that meets their needs. Examples of treatments include:
- Addiction education that explains how substance use affects the users and others
- Gender-specific rehab, which provides a safe and nurturing backdrop for treatments
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders
- Trauma treatment for program participants with unresolved situations from the past
- Behavioral therapy as a means of overcoming dysfunction in thoughts, feelings, and actions
Don’t allow enabling behavior to get in the way of healing. At Crestview Recovery, caring therapists understand the devastation of codependent relationships. Let them help you make changes. Call 866.262.0531 today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
