The ABC's of what doesn't work when trying to help an addict.
Accepting their unacceptable treatment of us
Bargaining
Begging
Blaming
Caretaking
Controling
Covering Up
Criticizing
Crying
Denial
Empty Threats
Enabling
Falling for their manipulations
Forgiving them over and over
Giving them yet again another chance
Harassing them
If only's
Justifying
Keep believing them
Lying for them
Making Excuses
Negotiating
Obsessing
Playing Detective
Pleading
Procrastinating
Questioning them
Rationalizing
Standing in the way of a good bottom
Staying for the disappointments
Thinking of them as they were, not as they ARE
Thinking our addict is different
Waiting for them to change
What If's
Yelling
Yeah and even when they ain't using. There are those who are recovering addicts but then there are the those who are still junkies without the dope but with that same old junky mentality nonetheless and they are the most invidious and soul damaging.
MARY
MARY