ENABLING BEHAVIORS

• Denying - "He's/she's not a compulsive gambler."
• Expecting the gambler to be rational.
• Expecting the gambler to control his/her gambling.
• Accepting blame.
• Gambling with the gambler.
• Justifying the gambling by agreeing with the rationalizations of the gambler. Her job puts her under so much pressure, etc.
• Keeping feelings inside.
• Avoiding problems - keeping the peace, believing lack of conflict makes a good marriage.
• Minimizing, It's not so bad", "Things will get better when....."
• Protecting - the image of the gambler; the gambler from pain; myself from pain.
• Avoiding by tranquilizing feelings with: tranquilizers, food, work, etc.
• Blaming, criticizing, lecturing.
• Taking over responsibilities or paying the gambler's bills/debts.
• Feeling superior - treating the gambler like a child.
• Controlling - "Let's skip the family reunion this year."
• Enduring - "This too shall pass."
• Waiting - "God will take care of it."