Keeping them alive at all costs. Because you can't help those that do not survive.
I have heard this statement used many times in many different situations. I have even used it myself to describe the necessity of helping an addict when faced with a family's denial. I have heard it used by parents and family members to justify what seem like desperate acts to "rescue" their loved ones and keep them alive. I have heard it used to defend past and current enabling behavior. I have heard it used to justify becoming an active part of the addiction to keep someone alive — a voluntary hostage.
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Key ideas in this chapter
- The balance between keeping someone safe and enabling
- Understanding the limits of what families can control
- Learning to love without becoming part of the addiction
- Finding healthy ways to express love and support
"Acceptance is not about accepting what someone else does and being OK with it; acceptance is about accepting what you can and cannot do to stop it."
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