Enabling vs. Helping My simple definition of enabling is when we do for others what they can – and indeed should – be doing for themselves. In my view, what’s happening on some of these worksites is enabling at its worst. At a deeper level, addicts know exactly what they’re doing – they know they’re crippling their own lives and continually hurting the people who love them. Show me an addict who doesn’t know that they now risk dying every time they use because of the toxic supply, and I’ll show … [Read more...] about Overdosing on the Job? Naloxone to the Rescue! Part Two
Helping vs. Enabling
Is it advisable to provide a relative with her own apartment?
Good Day Candace, I need to know if it is advisable to provide a relative with her own apartment? She is still an active user. She is homeless. My thinking is to purchase a small apartment destined to be for my daughter to live in. The apartment will be in my name and I will write in my will that when I die that apartment is to be transferred to my daughter's name. What would you advise? Your input is much appreciated. Mariamanda Hi Mariamanda, This is a great question! While I think … [Read more...] about Is it advisable to provide a relative with her own apartment?
Self-Care and Selfishness are NOT The Same Thing
When we are taking good care of ourselves and others in our lives accuse us of being “selfish,” that could be because they want us to keep catering to their needs instead of our own. Be careful not to buy into that way of thinking. Self-Care and Selfishness are two very different things. … [Read more...] about Self-Care and Selfishness are NOT The Same Thing
Overdosing on the Job? Naloxone to the Rescue! Part One
In the last few months, I have been posting articles about addiction that have come straight from the news. I am deeply worried about some of the things we’ve been hearing about, and most of them have had a harm-reduction slant, rather than a full-recovery perspective. There are many approaches to addiction counselling and recovery – many different viewpoints about what might create the best results. I’m going to share mine here. My perspective is one that comes from lived experience. As an … [Read more...] about Overdosing on the Job? Naloxone to the Rescue! Part One
What Should I Do About My Daughter Stealing from Me?
My 32-year-old daughter keeps stealing from me. She takes money out of my purse and steals jewellery and electronics. She uses the money from this to support her drug habit, and I feel very sad about this. She’s been living with me for the last few months because she doesn’t have a job or money, and I don’t want to see her out on the street – so I don’t know what to do. Can you help me? A.M. Hi A.M., I’m really glad you sent your question to me. I’ll start by saying that we teach people how … [Read more...] about What Should I Do About My Daughter Stealing from Me?
