Understanding Assistance versusEmpowerment: Deciphering the Distinction

Distinguishing Assistance from Encouragement: Understanding the Divide

A recent study published in 2021 sheds light on the challenges faced by mothers of teenagers struggling with substance use disorders. The research indicates that limited financial resources, lack of family cohesion, and insufficient family support can hinder the resilience of these families.

In such situations, it's common for family members to engage in enabling behaviours, unintentionally supporting or reinforcing unhealthy behaviours instead of encouraging recovery. These behaviours, as identified by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, include efforts to protect loved ones from consequences, keeping secrets, blaming others, trying to control things outside one's control, and avoiding confrontation.

However, it's important to note that supporting someone does not equate to enabling. Supportive behaviour includes listening, offering encouragement, being a resource, avoiding problem-solving, and not taking on recovery as one's responsibility. The American Psychological Association defines social support as any form of assistance, help, or comfort to someone to help them cope with health conditions or social stressors.

A 2021 study found that the risk of becoming codependent is 14.3 times more likely if the family or loved one lacks coping resources. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid enabling behaviours and instead empower the person to take active steps in their recovery.

The same study suggests that families can support without enabling by incorporating religious values to strengthen their families. Additionally, a 2020 literature review suggests providing empathy, respect, and encouragement as other ways to support without enabling.

People undergoing treatment for substance use disorders can greatly benefit from building and maintaining positive relationships. Strong bonds with others can encourage and support a person's quality of life, and support from family, friends, and social networks can be beneficial for those coping with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Including families in the treatment process can help to improve outcomes. Helping loved ones with mental health conditions or substance misuse can be challenging and confusing, but setting boundaries is crucial to avoid enabling and empower them to make choices towards recovery.

Ultimately, if one is unsure if their behaviour is enabling or supporting, a simple question to ask is: "Am I helping my loved one help themselves?" If the answer is no, it may be time to reconsider one's approach to support.