[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/stop-enabling-drug-addiction\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/stop-enabling-drug-addiction\/","headline":"How to Stop Enabling Drug Addiction","name":"How to Stop Enabling Drug Addiction","description":"Did you know your actions may be encouraging a loved one's drug addiction? Learn to recognize the signs of enabling.","datePublished":"2017-09-18","dateModified":"2020-12-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_SEXUALASSAULEMERGENCYCARE.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_SEXUALASSAULEMERGENCYCARE.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/stop-enabling-drug-addiction\/","about":["Family Health","Mental Health"],"wordCount":475,"keywords":["drug abuse","drug addiction","enabling","substance abuse"],"articleBody":"The desire to protect and look after the well-being of your loved ones is natural, but is it possible to care too much?In the case of addictive behaviors, the answer could be yes.An enabler is a family member or friend who allows their loved one to continue harmful behaviors, such as a drug addiction. In many cases, enabling a drug addiction is not intentional. Rather, it is a misguided attempt to keep a loved one from further suffering.Contact Addiction Medicine Services at 412-692-CARE (2273) for help.As difficult as it may seem, the more you help, the worse their addiction may become.The UPMC\u00a0Department of Family Medicine\u00a0and\u00a0Addiction Medicine Services\u00a0provide a number of resources for family members who have loved ones suffering from substance abuse.RELATED: Benefits of Giving up Alcohol for 30 DaysSigns You Are Enabling Someone’s Drug AddictionIt\u2019s not easy to admit that you could be enabling a loved one\u2019s drug addiction.As a friend or family member, your instinct is to offer support. When it comes to drug abuse, shielding someone from the consequences of their actions allows them to continue using and could harm their health.If you identify with any of the following behaviors, you may be enabling a loved one’s drug addiction.Making empty threats:\u00a0Setting boundaries with your loved one, but never following through when the using behavior continues.Lying to others:\u00a0Covering up the addiction by making excuses to others for any inappropriate behavior related to drug use.Avoiding confrontation:\u00a0Recognizing that your loved one has a drug addiction, but ignoring or avoiding it.Managing responsibilities: This can include paying rent, covering electric bills, or giving them money for necessities or recreation.Observing no improvement.\u00a0If you believe you have been helping but see your loved one is not improving, you are enabling their drug use by providing temporary solutions.RELATED:\u00a05 Types of Mental Illness and DisabilitySteps to Stop Enabling a Drug AddictionFirst, recognize your behaviors and begin to take responsibility for how you have enabled their addiction. Next, begin to allow your loved one to experience the consequences of drug use.Plan ahead:\u00a0Set firm boundaries and plan for unpredictable reactions to your new rules.Follow through:\u00a0If you claim that you will no longer pay for utilities or make excuses to an employer, you need to follow through, no matter how difficult it may be.Don’t give in.\u00a0Be assertive and do not cave to manipulation.Use positive encouragement.\u00a0Keep the focus on how you will be a part of their life without drugs. Encourage behavior that shows a willingness to recover.It\u2019s difficult to watch someone you love suffer the consequences of drug abuse, but dealing with your enabling behavior may give them a chance toward true recovery. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Stop Enabling Drug Addiction","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/stop-enabling-drug-addiction\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]