Which of the following best describes a professional enabler? a. A sp

Which of the following best describes a professional enabler?

a. A spouse who has been enabling an abuser for several years
b. A physician who provides narcotic analgesics to patients on a regular basis
c. A clergyman who offers to take an abuser to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
d. A child who is a caretaker for her substance abusing mother

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Health care professionals also can contribute to the initiation and continuation of substance abuse and dependency in various ways, becoming professional enablers. One obvious way is the physician’s role in prescribing psychoactive medications. The medical model advocates the treatment of symptoms by medication. The relief of pain, anxiety, and insomnia is not an exception. The addictive potential of narcotic analgesics and antianxiety agents is often ignored if quick symptom relief is the main goal. Long-term goals for the treatment of medical problems and nonmedication management of pain and anxiety are more thoughtful approaches.