The enabler is the individual who tries to keep the family “functioning”, not realizing the negative results of these actions. They typically take on the addict’s problems and responsibilities, sometimes having a caretaker role as well. The problem with this is that they are removing the addict’s accountability and supporting the bad behavior instead of setting up boundaries against it. Along with supporting the addict, the enabler may also encourage everyone else’s roles in the addiction without realizing it.