Those who are addicted to drugs need the services of professionals who are well educated and also trained in substance abuse counseling. A good program will include active participation of the patient’s family or significant other. This is very important to the success of the overall program. A primary reason for this is that often family members or a close partner will actually end up enabling the addicted person. While that is not their conscious goal, it none the less happens. This type of created enabling often comes from a place of fear. The family member does not know what to do to help the addicted person. Rather than deal with the issues head on, they will often use a defense mechansim, such as denial or sublimation to cope themselves with the problem. This type of response is not what is in the best interest of the patient. It only serves to worsen the problem. In order for counseling to have a positive outcome, the family unit must be involved.