If you have a loved one suffering from addition, it can be difficult to
know what to do. Sometimes, families can let their love cloud their
judgment. They end up reinforcing the addict's negative behaviors.
Instead of helping their family member to a full recovery, they end up
becoming codependent. Codependency is when someone inhibits an addict's
ability to recover. Codependency usually occurs when family members
refuse to let the addict hit rock bottom. Unless an addicted individual
experiences the full effect of the negative consequences of drug
addiction, they will never stop using drugs. Although you should not
shelter a family member from the consequences of drug abuse, there are
many other ways that you can help.
Many individuals distance themselves from a family member suffering
from addiction. They are so afraid of causing codependency that they
emotionally withdraw from the addict. However, shunning an addict
completely can be just as bad as fostering codependency. Family members
are not the only enablers. Your ...