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Enabling behavior
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Healthwise
An enabling behavior is an action by a loved one that allows a person with an addiction to alcohol or drugs to keep drinking without facing the consequences.
Enabling might include making excuses, calling in sick, or paying legal fees for the person. These actions often can keep the person with an addiction from realizing or admitting that he or she has a problem.
Family members, partners, or friends who act this way are sometimes called “codependent.”
Last Updated:
February 15, 2008- Author:
- Jeannette Curtis
Paul Lehnert - Medical Review:
- Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology
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