What is the difference between codependency and enabling

Enabling someone means helping them in a way that allows their addiction to continue with no consequences. Negative enabling hurts everybody. It prevents growth in the person who is enabled and creates resentment in the enabler. Codependence is a whole spectrum of behaviors, including enabling, and it often affects those who grew up in a family that suffered from addiction.

Major areas of dysfunction that describe codependence are denial, low self-esteem patterns, compliance patterns, control patterns, and avoidance patterns. Codependence is much more than enabling a person. If you are interested in addressing these issues personally, please contact Health Directions today.

People who grew up lacking or currently lack fundamental mental health care can find inspiration from people like Behavioral Health Counselor Corrinna Markland-Pickel, who truly care about helping those in need.

We were able to ask Corrinna a few questions about her experiences she shared in the Circles of Life article recently featured in the Canton Chamber Courier. Request an Appointment. Jacey Downing. What is codependency? Am I enabling others? One person is abusing the substance, whether it is drugs or alcohol, and that person depends on the other person to supply money, food, shelter, or excuses. In fact, codependency is often referred to as a relationship addiction.

The two people in the relationship — you and your loved one who is addicted — tend to form and become dependent on an unhealthy, emotionally harmful relationship. Codependency is not usually intentional, though. Again, your natural instinct is to help, which becomes enabling, which leads to a codependent relationship. Similarly, a person who defines himself through the relationship may not be doing so in a conscious way.

When you become more aware of the subconscious motivations at work, you can then move forward with improving the situation. Allowing your loved one to continue with their addiction by enabling their actions only makes the situation worse and deepens the damage that is done to both of you in the codependent relationship.

Ending the enabling behavior is not as easy as it sounds, of course. You want to help your loved one. However, the best way to help them is to allow them to suffer the consequences of their behavior, as difficult as that may be for you. Instead of enabling them, take steps to empower them to take responsibility for their actions. Guide them toward treatment options. Support them in their recovery progress.

You will help them live life in a self-sufficient and healthy way. Empowering means truly helping your loved one, as they work to make changes in their own life.