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Are You Enabling Your Loved One's Drug And Alcohol Abuse?

By: Christine Harrell

When dealing with a loved one in need of inpatient drug rehab, things become complicated quickly. You love that person very much, but the substance abuse and the effects of that abuse are a different story. The addict has become someone you no longer know and the things they do to support their habit rip families apart quickly. At the same time, you can't stand to see them suffer.

The battle between protecting the addict from hurt and trying to get them away from their vice is a very hard one to win, but it is one you can't afford to lose. Many families often go about loving their afflicted loved one in a way that enables the loved one to continue on their path of self-destruction. Allowing them to continue unaffected with their habit will not push them to get help.

Passive Enabling

One of the most common ways families enable their loved one's addiction is simply by not doing anything at all. Some believe that by avoiding problems and confrontation, the addict will have less stress and anxiety decreasing their dependency.

Others minimize the true effects of the drugs or alcohol by telling themselves it isn't as bad as it seems. Still others wait for a higher power to solve these issues. Ignoring the problem isn't going to convince the afflicted one to seek an inpatient drug rehab center.

Covering And Protecting

These defensive mechanisms are intended to keep the abuser safe from harm. Taking over responsibilities for the loved one because they are no longer meeting the bar can have devastating effects. It adds even more pressure to everyone involved -- while letting the abuser to continue without ever seeing the true effects of their problem.

Making excuses and hiding the addiction is like collaborating with the substance. In the victim's eyes, this is like saying 'it is okay to keep doing what you're doing'. Families want to keep their loved ones safe from pain or harm, but sweeping the issue under the rug benefits no one.

Aggressive Enabling

Sometimes people attack their loved ones in an effort to 'bully' them into inpatient drug rehab. Criticizing him or her and belittling them at every turn only causes the abuser to tune out; until one day they stop hearing you all together. Nagging and blaming them isn't going to help either. Families may also begin to feel that they are better or higher than the one abusing chemicals. This drives the loved one away and can elevate their use of the substance.

Instead of enabling the chemically dependent person, state what the effects of the problem have been without accusing or laying blame. Tell the person directly that 'you need to stop'. Then, state the consequences. Be direct and honest without attacking or being deliberately hurtful.

It is always best to contact an inpatient drug rehab to get help with your particular situation. Often times, you can receive help setting up and making rehabilitation right away before confronting the issues head on. They can provide a significant amount of help through the process.

Article Source: http://www.articlekingpro.com

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Inpatient Drug Rehab or a Arizona Drug Rehab, visit www.alcohol-drug-treatment.com/.

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