Enablers Shift Blame or Ignore Others in the Life of an Addict
When faced with a loved one’s addiction, individuals tend to react differently. Some may respond by acting out, attempting to alleviate tension, or even withdrawing from the situation entirely. However, in the case of enablers, they tend to assign blame to specific individuals, holding them responsible for the addict’s behavior. Consequently, other family members may be neglected or overlooked as all attention and energy are directed towards supporting the person struggling with addiction.
Enablers Prioritize the Needs of the Addicted Person
When it comes to enabling someone with an addiction, the enabler often sacrifices their own needs. This can lead to unpaid bills as the enabler constantly loans money to the person struggling with addiction. In addition, enablers may neglect their own well-being, resulting in fatigue or illness. Furthermore, relationships with other family members and friends can become strained due to the enabler’s focus on the addicted individual. While the enabler’s intentions may be well-meaning, their actions inadvertently contribute to the worsening of the addiction.