How to Stop Enabling a Drug Addict

Drug addiction is a disease that impacts not only the addict but also the family and friends. Often an addict is able to continue using because those who surround him are enabling him on some level by helping with money, legal problems or other related matters. In order to stop enabling the addict and help him recover, family and friends can follow these helpful tips.

Instructions

1. Plan an intervention. You need to set up a time to sit down with the addict and tell her frankly that you will no longer provide the support you have been giving.

2. Involve a third party to help you get the drug addict into treatment. By incorporating a third party, such as a therapist or interventionist, you will ensure that the addict takes you seriously. This person can help clarify the reality that you are about to start withholding support from the addict and that his only alternative is treatment.

3. Be prepared for a fight. You obviously care about the drug addict, but by offering support (monetary, emotional, legal), you are enabling her to continue on a path of self-destruction. The addict will put up a fight when you tell her you are going to withhold these supports.

4. Force the drug addict to accept responsibility for his behavior. By eliminating your support, you are making the addict own up to the consequences of his actions. This is the only way to help him stop taking drugs and get the needed help.

5. Eliminate your readiness to pick up the debris of the addict's life, to bail him out or to supply her with financial assistance. The disease of drug addiction will kill the addict and you must recognize that you are not helping her by supporting her on any level with respect to her addiction. Treatment is the only answer, and your refusal to support her in any other choice is imperative.