RR Enabler’s Journey 1 - Stages of Enabling

An enabler is one who empowers another to persist in self-destructive behaviors that are characteristic in substance use disorder by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behaviors. An enabler must realize they are not dealing with their rational loved one, but with one driven by the insatiable demon of addiction. There are 5 stages of grieving denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The road of acceptance leads to peace.