An enabler is someone who enables or supports certain behaviors in another person that are deemed unhealthy or destructive. This behavior may involve addiction, codependency, or other forms of harmful actions. The enabler often tries to help the person they are enabling, but in doing so, inadvertently perpetuates the negative behavior.For example, a parent may continually bail out their adult child who has a drug addiction, providing them with money or a place to stay whenever they get into trouble. In this scenario, the parent is enabling the child's addiction by not allowing them to face the consequences of their actions and seek help for their problem.Enablers often have good intentions and may believe that they are helping the person they are enabling. They may fear confrontation or conflict, or they may feel guilty for the person's situation and want to alleviate their suffering. However, enabling ultimately prevents the individual from taking responsibility for their actions and seeking help to change their behavior.It is important for enablers to recognize their role in enabling negative behaviors and to seek support for themselves and the person they are enabling. This may involve setting boundaries, encouraging the person to seek professional help, and taking care of their own needs and well-being. By addressing the root causes of the negative behavior and encouraging positive change, enablers can help the person they care about break free from destructive patterns and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
