Hey, you beautiful people! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with a gut-punch episode, "Enabling: The Toxic 'Help' That's Hurting Your Loved One's Recovery."

We’re diving deep into what enabling really is—spoiler: it’s not love, it’s letting bad behavior slide, especially for alcoholics and addicts. From covering up their messes to bailing them out, I’m exposing why your "help" might be their downfall, backed by psych research and some Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom. Expect raw truths, a few dark laughs, and practical steps to stop enabling and start supporting for real.

If you’re in recovery or love someone who is, this one’s a must-watch.

Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this wake-up call. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s break the cycle together!

#Enabling #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Codependency #SoberPsychology #Psychology #AlcoholicsAnonymous #ToughLove #AddictionSupport #MentalHealth #Boundaries #recoveryispossible
References

• Beattie, M. (1986). Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing.

• Thomas, E. J., et al. (2004). Enabling behavior in a clinical sample of alcohol-dependent clients and their partners. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(4), 269-276.

• Rotunda, R. J., & O'Farrell, T. J. (1997). Marital and family therapy of alcohol use disorders: Bridging the gap between research and practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 28(3), 246-252. (Related to enabling review)

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2021). What Is Enabling? Retrieved from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/enabling-fact-sheet

• Verywell Mind. (2024). Enabler Behavior: Motivations, Signs, Impact, and Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/enabler-behavior-motivations-signs-impact-8602260

• WebMD. (2024). Signs You're Enabling a Loved One's Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/addiction-enabling-a-loved-one

• Healthline. (2019). Enabler: Definition, Behavior, Psychology, Recognizing One, More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/enabler

• American Addiction Centers. (2025). How to Stop Enabling Your Loved One's Addictions. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/how-to-stop-enabling

• Resurgence Behavioral Health. (2024). How Enabling Affects Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from https://resurgencebehavioralhealth.com/blog/enabling/

• St. Joseph Institute. (n.d.). Afraid to Love: The Enabling Dilemma. Retrieved from https://stjosephinstitute.com/blog/afraid-to-love-the-enabling-dilemma/

• Al-Anon Family Groups. (2017). Mothering or Enabling? Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/blog/mothering-or-enabling/

• English Mountain Recovery. (2025). Understanding the Difference Between Supporting and Enabling. Retrieved from https://englishmountain.com/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-supporting-and-enabling/

• Addiction Center. (2025). What Is an Enabler? Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/stage-intervention/what-is-an-enabler/