Recognizing And Dealing With 3 Types Of Enabling Alcohol Behaviors

When a person is abusing alcohol, 3 types of enabling alcohol behaviors can occur in his family members and friends.  When you recognize these behaviors, it can be the first step in reaching out for help.

First, enabling behaviors can be passive.  This can include pretending the problem does not exist, wishing or hoping he will change, or tolerating behavior that you should not tolerate. 

A second set of enabling behaviors includes the consequences of your loved one's alcoholism.  Rather than forcing him to be responsible, you may be taking on alcoholic accountability yourself.  Some examples may include lying for him when he is in an accident or does not go to work, paying his bills for him when he is irresponsible with his money, or providing basic necessities that he should be providing for himself.

A third common behavior that enables an alcoholic is actively encouraging his addiction.  You may be allowing him to drink in your home, providing transportation to bars, giving him money for alcohol, or even drinking with him.

All of these behaviors are harmful to you, as well as to the alcoholic in your life.  You are not only helping him continue drinking without bearing any of the responsibility, but you are also harming yourself and your own life.  For this reason, an alcohol abuse intervention is the best course of action. 

There are two benefits to an intervention.  One benefit is it will give your loved one the opportunity to make a decision of his own free will, and place him in the position of taking full responsibility for that decision.  He can either choose to start a treatment program, or be forced to stand on his own two feet.

A second benefit is an intervention will end your direct involvement in his problems.  He will learn you will no longer take responsibility for him.  You will be able to focus on your own life, rather than his life.

If you have an alcoholic in your life, ask for help in staging an alcohol abuse intervention.  You do not need to continue enabling him, and allowing the effects of his drinking to ruin your life.  Instead of continuing behaviors that are harmful to everyone, you can both have a fresh start.