Helping a loved one

Addiction is more than just a bad habit that stems from poor decisions. It’s truly a disease that affects a person’s physical health and also their mental health. If you are worried that someone you love is addicted to a substance, it’s important that you understand how to deal with this before you take any action. These tips will help you create a plan that works for you, for your family, and for your friend or loved one.

Dealing with Someone Struggling with Addiction

Start by educating yourself about addiction and substance misuse. Also research information regarding recovery and treatment options that are available. Utilize qualified resources that will help you understand the warning signs of addiction, as well as the causes of addiction. These resources will provide you with the information you need in order to understand the perspective of your loved one who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. These same resources and reference materials will give you information about how you can best support the person you care about.

Talking with Your Loved One

Talk to the person who is addicted. Do not sit back and watch their life spiral out of control. According to the Help Guide, this is the first step that you should take when it comes to addressing an addiction. As soon as you start to notice the signs and symptoms of addiction, have an honest and supportive conversation with this person. It’s essential that you do not exhibit any signs of judgment. If you come across as judgmental, it could have a detrimental impact on the person and on their recovery.

Provide that person with the support that they need, and treat addiction as if it were any other serious illness. According to Addictions and Recovery, there are many ways that you can provide support to someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. For example, you could help them out and ensure that they have time in their schedule in order to attend sobriety meetings. You could offer them a sober environment and help them avoid any triggers that could result in a relapse. You could purchase food, clothing, and other items that the person needs in order to help them out financially.

Don’t forget about yourself. Taking care of someone who has a serious illness like addiction can be exhausting, and if you don’t take care of yourself you may start to resent the person who you are helping. Be sure that you have someone you can talk to during this difficult time, and always take time for yourself to do something that you enjoy.

Help Your Loved One Take Responsibility

Recognize that the person who is addicted must accept responsibility for their addiction. While you may be spending a lot of time and energy helping your loved one who is addicted, you cannot take the blame for their addiction and you cannot hold yourself responsible for curing that person. The person who is addicted must recognize and face the consequences of their addiction, and they must be held accountable for their own recovery. Providing them help and support along the way will help them be successful, but you must recognize that you are not responsible for their recovery and their long-term success.

Getting Your Loved One the Help They Need

The cause of addiction will vary from person to person, and it’s important to urge the person who is addicted to seek the help they need from qualified professionals. Treatment specialists who work at recovery centers will be able to help the patient identify the root cause of their addiction while also helping them create a treatment plan that works for them. Along the way, be sure to provide the person you love with all of the support that they need. Overcoming addiction is a huge challenge and results in a complete lifestyle change, and your loved one will certainly need help, assistance, and support along the way.


Source

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/drug-abuse-and-addiction.htm
http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/families-and-addiction.htm