The Substance Abuse Enabler- A Role in the Family System

Family systems play a significant role in regards to substance abuse disorders. 

When a person has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it affects the people close to them. 

When someone is close to someone who is an addict, they are often referred to as an enabler, a co-dependent, or even a co-alcoholic.

An Enabler is someone who does something to protect an individual who is chemically dependent from the consequences of his or her behaviors. 

An enabler adapts to the person’s drug use as opposed to confronting it.

An enabler can be someone that is in a family of someone who has an addiction as well as someone outside of the family. 

Thus, an enabler does not have to have close ties or be in a committed relationship with someone to enable their behavior (Stevens & Smith, 2013).

When someone is close to an addict, they have a lot of stress to deal with and they need ways that they can cope that are mentally healthy.

One way to change from being an enabler is for the enabler to make a long list of enabling behaviors. Then they need to examine the list to see which behaviors that they can identify with that they are doing in someone's life.

Next, an enabler should choose 3 behaviors that would be the easiest to change and start with them. After addressing those, an enabler should then work their way down the list slowly changing their other enabling behaviors (Rotunda & Doman, 2201).

References 

Rotunda, R. J., Doman, K., (2201). Partner enabling of substance use disorders: Critical review and future directions. American Journal of Family Therapy, 29(4), 257-270. 

Stevens, P., & Smith, R. L.(2013). Substance abuse counseling: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 

1 Corinthians 8:9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 

 Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

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