by Joan King

7/23/13 GAINESVILLE – What do we mean when we say someone is an “enabler?”

It’s one of those words we bandy about when we observe addictive behavior in a family or social setting. It’s usually about alcohol or drugs, but can be almost any self-destructive habit. We see enabling in other people but deny that we do it ourselves.

It works like this: Dad drinks too much. Mom pops pills. Their teenager is on street drugs, but it’s family so people make excuses. Mom covers for Dad when he has a hangover. Dad forgives Mom because she is going through “the change” or caring for elderly parents. The teenager … well, he or she is basically a good kid who has made one or two bad choices. Give them a little time; they’ll straighten up.

Read the whole article:  The Gainesville Times