An enabler is a person who makes it easier for a person with self-destructive behavior, such as addiction, to continue along their destructive path. An enabler forms a co-dependent bond with the addict, in which the addict relies on the enabler to excuse their behavior while the enabler depends on the addict to need them. An enabler will often lie or make excuses for the addict, believing that he or she can maintain a healthy relationship by manipulating and controlling the addict through avoiding conflict and fostering the co-dependency. Enabling gives the mutually dependent person (the enabler) most of the power in the relationship and creates a relationship with no established definition of incorrect behavior.
Read the full article here: Understanding the Nature of the Enabler
