Support vs Enabling
Rachel Starck Says...
Very tough situation. What is your support system like? It sounds like you are seeing your son make effort, and follow through with commitments. Not sure how long he has been in the halfway house or has been clean, but I would want to see a signficant amount of clean time (6 months to a year) before opening your home. Of course it is your decision, but I recommend getting a solid support group (al-anon is a great resource) who will be honest and real about addiction and will let you know when you are rescuing or enabling him rather then helping. Support for your son does not have to be in the form of a place to stay. You can be supportive and loving while he gets himself back on his feet. It may be important for him to experience the consequences of his choices in order to own his own recovery. So, find a counselor who is familiar with addiction, and attend Al-anon meetings to help you make choices that are truely in his (and your) best interest!
Best Luck,
Rachel Starck, LPC
Page last updated Aug 17, 2012