I’m an adult addict/alcoholic, I need your help.
DON’T lecture, blame, or scold me. You wouldn’t be angry with me for having T.B or diabetes. Addiction and alcoholism is a disease too.
DON’T throw away my drugs and alcohol, it’s just a waste because I can always get more.
DON’T let me provoke your anger. If you attack me verbally or physically, you only confirm my bad opinion of myself, I hate myself enough already.
DON’T be inconsistent and make empty threats. Once you have made a decision, stick to it.
DON’T believe everything I tell you; it may be a lie. Denial of reality is a symptom of my disease. Moreover, I’m likely to lose respect for those I can fool too easily.
DON’T let me take advantage of you or exploit you. Love cannot exist for long without the dimension of justice.
DON’T cover up for me or try in any way to avoid the consequences of my choices.
DON’T meet all my obligations. It may avert or reduce the very crisis that would prompt me to confront my issues. I can continue to deny my issues as long as you provide an automatic escape from the consequences of my choices.