Enabling: The Toxic 'Help' That's Hurting Your Loved One's Recovery | Episode 45
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!
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/
This video is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
About Michael
I'm Michael, a mental health creator, recovered alcoholic, future therapist, and the host of Sober Psychology. After realizing how much of the traditional mental health conversation misses the mark, I decided to build a space dedicated to raw, unfiltered self-examination and personal healing. My approach combines psychological principles with brutal honesty and hard truths, cutting through the noise to help people navigate their own growth. No toxic positivity, no hidden shame—just real conversations about what it actually takes to heal.