Yellowstone Group Therapy 2

Tips to Avoid Enabling an Addict

It’s not easy to avoid enabling an addict. Being skilled in manipulative techniques and using emotional leverage is just a part of being an addict, even after they get out of a low cost rehab program. Some really don’t even realize they are doing it. It has become an integral part of their personality, which has an underlying need to always feed the addiction in some way.

Who Enables?

Just about everyone the addict associates with has enabled them in some way or another. Otherwise, the addict wouldn’t likely associate with them. Some people don’t realize they are enabling, because they just think of it as “helping out” or “being nice,” but the reality is that those who continue to enable the addict might be doing more damage than providing help to the addict, because they never offer an opportunity or motivation for change.

Set Your Boundaries

Until you set firm boundaries and stand by them, you are going to continue to enable your loved one. Consider what you have offered in the past, whether it was a place to stay or cash. Now think about how that helped perpetuate the addiction, or how it impacted your life. Even if you think it didn’t perpetuate the addiction, but it did have a negative impact on your life, it needs to stop. Part of addiction is imposing on someone else’s happiness in order to get what you want. This is your life. Own it and own the responsibility it takes to hold those boundaries.

Don’t Offer Second Chances

If you’re dealing with an addict, you’ve already given them more than one chance to deal with you in accordance with your established boundaries. Second chances are not an option now, because they’ve already been used up. Yes, this is tough love, but it may also be the thing that saves a life.

Yellowstone Group Therapy 2Announce Expectations

What do you expect from your loved one? Consider that question yourself, then share the details with him or her. Be realistic. You can’t tell an addict that you expect them to have a six figure job by the end of the week, but you can tell them that you expect them to be up and ready to go job hunting every day by 9 a.m. Write your expectations down if you need to, so that you can refer to them as needed.

Learn how to say and mean the word “no.” Stop taking on someone else’s issues, or they will never learn to deal with them on their own. For more tips, or to learn more about how to help an addict, call Yellowstone Recovery at 1-888-897-1455.

 

Request More Information

Start your recovery today.

     
     
     
    • Treatment Options
    • Program Curriculum
    • Program Services
    young man talking to his therapist

    Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

    Intensive OutPatient treatment (IOP) helps people establish the foundations for lifelong sobriety…

    read more...
    patio with tables covered by umbrellas

    Detoxification

    Our California alcohol and drug addiction treatment program is predicated on restoring you to your ideal health. Detox is a crucial part…

    read more...
    gate for one of the rehab facility homes

    Primary Care – Residential Treatment

    The first phase of our program is primary care. During this phase clients will be in a 30-day “blackout” period…

    read more...
    three straw men standing in front of two trees

    Residential Treatment – Extended Care

    Residential treatment extended care starts on day 31 and goes through day 90. This period is very important for a client in early recovery…

    read more...
    small outdoor pond

    Outpatient Treatment

    Outpatient treatment serves as aftercare for clients who have completed extended care (90 days of residential treatment)…

    read more...
    gate for one of the rehab facility homes

    Sober Living

    Sober living at Yellowstone begins after the initial residential treatment portion of the program is successfully completed…

    read more...
    emotional support group with five men and women

    Weekday Schedule

    Detox and Residential Treatment

    read more...
    Depressed woman looking away

    Experiential Therapy

    Experiential Therapy is therapy of the mind rather than the body. It is a tool to help…

    read more...
    typewriter writing the words

    Contact Yellowstone Recovery

    read more...

    Why Choose Yellowstone?

    Low Cost Pricing

    Financing Available

    PPO Insurance Accepted

    Provide Complete
    Continuum of Care