How Enablers Are Manipulated

Individuals who struggle with addiction will literally do anything to get their next fix, including manipulating their family and friends. If you’re concerned that someone you know is manipulating you to feed his or her addiction, look for some of the telltale signs.

Are they making promises they fail to keep? Do they tell stories that contradict other stories they’ve told? Do they abuse you psychologically, verbally, or physically?

If you think a friend or family member is manipulating you, make sure you help them, not enable them. Enabling them might entail trying to hide their addiction, taking on the addict’s personal responsibilities, and providing money and support even after you’ve threatened to cut the addict off.

Instead of enabling the addict, stand by your word when you give an addict an ultimatum, set clear boundaries, and reach out to your friends and family for help in getting the addict needed help.

Addiction can make people do things they wouldn’t otherwise do, including manipulating the people they love to feed their addiction. For more information about how addicts manipulate their friends and family and how to stop it, contact us today.