enabling creates a atmosphere in which the alcoholic can comfortably
continue his unacceptable behavior. It is interesting that this site considers an alcoholics behavior "unacceptable".
Some interesting questions from about.com, sort of "you know your an enabler when":
"Have you accepted part of the blame for his (or her) drinking or behavior?
Have you avoided talking about his drinking out of fear of his response?
Have you tried drinking with him in hopes of strengthening the relationship?
Have you given him "one more chance" and then another and another?
Have you threatened to leave and didn't?"
Enabling can be more subtle than we think and has alot to do with our own boundaries and
consequences or lack thereof.
I highly recommend reading the rest of this excerpt on enabling here:
Enabling - Enabling and Alcoholism in the Family