Seeing a loved one battle addiction can make you feel scared and helpless, especially when you do not know how to help them. Addiction is not easy to break; most times, professional help is required for a successful recovery. The most important thing you can do for your loved one during this time is to support them as much as possible and encourage them to get the help they need.
In this article, we will go over all the ways you can help a loved one who is dealing with an addiction.
Understanding The Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
According to the National Institute of research, Alcohol addiction drastically damages the body and brain. It’s essential to notice the addiction signs and symptoms and find proper treatment. Your loved one may show some or maybe all of the following signs and symptoms when they have a substance use disorder:
- Using more of a substance than was intended.
- Attempting to cut back or stop taking substances but failing to succeed.
- Using a substance while being aware that doing so makes a mental or emotional issue worse.
- Feeling the urge to utilize drugs or alcohol.
- The person’s drug use brings on interpersonal tension in this instance.
- The person’s substance usage prevents them from carrying out their obligations at work, school, or home.
- The user engages in risky behavior, such as using drugs while driving or swimming.
- When someone has a substance use disorder, there are symptoms that the person displays; your loved one may exhibit a few, or even all of these, which include:
If the person suddenly stops using certain substances, they will experience physical symptoms of withdrawal and other mental health issues.
Tips for Helping Someone with Addiction
Numerous studies have discovered support, love, and trust in treatment can be helpful in treating substance abuse disorder as well as mental health problems. Below are some quick tips to follow during the recovery of your loved one.
Educate Yourself
Knowing how to help someone with an addiction is easier if you are knowledgeable about alcohol abuse and treatment. Spend time researching alcoholism or drug abuse if you are wondering how to help your loved one or someone dealing with addiction.
Learn about the available therapies for alcohol addiction as well as the symptoms. Learn about the recovery stage your loved one is in so you can comprehend what they are going through and the type of support they are getting. With a better understanding of this condition and what they are experiencing, you will be better equipped to help and show your support.
Learning more about addiction in general and getting the answers to questions such as:
- What is addiction?
- How can addiction develop?
- Why do some people develop addictions?
- Is addiction treatable?
- How is substance abuse addressed? What are the various choices for treatment?
Show Your Love and Support
Speak to your loved one with compassion and empathy to demonstrate your concern. Those with addictions frequently anticipate criticism, insults, belittlement, and rejection from others since addiction is so stigmatized in our society. This behavior results in developing alcohol and drug addiction disease instead of curing the issue.
The first rule in addiction treatment is to show love and support to the addicted person. Treating your loved one with love and respect can help the addict stay motivated.
Seek Counseling or Therapy
Everyone is impacted by addiction, including the addict and their loved ones. It is crucial to ensure you are well enough to handle any stress associated with aiding someone struggling with addiction. It is acceptable and healthy to admit when you might be over your head and require help from an expert. Additionally, you must do everything you can to support your loved one.
You can find counseling and therapy sessions from a health expert to eliminate the issue. In counseling, your therapist can teach you advanced skills and techniques through which a lifetime loved one can deal with unfavorable circumstances. Cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy all can be utilized to help people get treated for the disease.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is essential, particularly when you are supporting a person battling addiction. Your loved one’s addiction cannot ruin your life. Keep engaging in healthy pursuits, such as hobbies and social gatherings, and be mindful of well-bingeing. Being involved in activities that are not focused on your loved one is vital, but therapy or counseling is also a part of that process. Choose what you need to do to maintain your health and do it.
Listen Carefully
Listening to individuals’ concerns is the most critical element in addiction treatment. Even if you disagree with the person, listen to what they say without trying to argue or oppose them. The more your friend or family member feels heard, the more they share.
Don’t Criticize Them
To blame people for their drawbacks and weaknesses is human nature and part of our societal norms. Research has shown that many people hide their shortcomings and attachment to a substance so as not to be criticized, hated, and cursed.
It is recommended to avoid blaming your loved one for their addiction, whether implicitly or outright. It is frequently detrimental to the recovery of a family member battling alcohol or opioid addiction to shame or criticize them. Tough love is inappropriate here, even though it might inadvertently assist an alcoholic spouse in some cases.
Don’t Enable
When the addiction develops, it can be challenging for family members to keep their loved ones happy without enabling them. It is common for the loved ones of an addict to enable the addiction even if they do not realize it. No matter what your loved one tells you or how upset they are, they will thank you later for keeping them on the right track. Change can not happen if you allow the addict to fall into the same harmful patterns.
Professionals recommend not giving the addict money to feed their addiction. Many family members and friends may buy groceries, provide financial support for court costs or attorneys, or pay rent to bail someone out. Still, in most cases, this serves to exacerbate the problem because addicts can continue using without facing repercussions.
Get Support
It can be quite challenging for you to live your life when your partner struggles with addiction. Some organizations can assist the addict, teach you how to deal, and offer resources, such as:
Al-Anon is a famous name for supporting people experiencing drug addiction worldwide. Furthermore, other support groups also [provide support, knowledge, and techniques to make people able to fight substance abuse disorder and live life to its fullest.
Violate Privacy
You could feel tempted to complain about your addicted loved one while taking care of yourself and going to therapy. In therapy, you should be as open and honest about your feelings as possible, but you also need to respect their privacy. This is particularly important when talking to friends or family about an addict.
Verify if the subject is comfortable being discussed and having their difficulties brought up. Make sure you keep what was discussed in sessions between you and your loved one private if you go to counseling together. Do not press your loved one for information if they choose not to reveal what they discussed in therapy or counseling when they go on their own.
Addiction Treatment options
Drug addiction is treatable. Getting proper treatment at a reliable rehab center can be helpful. You can go with the rehab center can meet your requirements.
Detox: Medical detox is a process to eliminate the body from drugs, manage withdrawal symptoms, and achieve stability.
Inpatient Treatment Program: The inpatient treatment program offers 24/7 medical guidance, balanced food, and luxury, as well as a supportive environment to
Partial Hospitalization: The partial hospitalization treatment program allows people to continue their work responsibilities and get treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health problems.
Counseling: Whether it’s based on individual, group, family, or a combination of all three forms, it helps to tackle the root cause of drug use and teaches better ways of coping.
Medication: Medication can help with withdrawal or treat any co-occurring disorders. Ongoing peer support: Attending support group meetings, including a 12-step program, to preserve sobriety and maintain recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What do you say to someone who has an addiction?
Being direct and honest is generally the greatest method to communicate with others. The same is true while conversing with a person who has an addiction. Clarity is vital while communicating with them, and do not be afraid to express your emotions in a composed manner.
Speaking your mind is often frequently a wonderful place to start. Inform your loved one of how it hurts and concerns you to watch them doing drugs and how you worry for their safety.
Your loved one may feel strongly about or respond negatively to what you have to say, but that does not mean you should not say it. These emotions and responses may contribute to the development of
How can you help your friend who is addicted?
Following are some points that can be beneficial for your friend who is addicted.
Educate yourself about the signs of addiction.
Research treatment options for your friend.
Listen to the addict’s concerns.
Offer love and support.
Group intervention may be the way to go.
How do you live with someone who has an addiction?
Establish healthy boundaries and uphold them. Encourage the person to seek assistance, which may entail locating resources for their care. Get assistance by finding a therapist who specializes in addiction therapy. Addicts’ loved ones also require support.
What to say to encourage a recovering addict?
You are not alone.
I love you.
How are you feeling?
Let’s hang out.
Everyone needs help sometimes.
How can I help?
I’m proud of you.
I understand you are struggling, but hope and long-term recovery always exist.
Get Professional Help from Haven Detox South Florida
Alcohol addiction is a chronic mental illness. Addiction can result in harsh consequences if ignored. Getting the proper treatment at a professional rehab center is necessary for a smooth recovery.
Our facility offers addiction treatment programs, medical detox treatment programs, residential treatment programs, and smart recovery treatment program to help people get back to an alcohol-free life. Furthermore, our round-the-clock customer support makes the admission and treatment process easy and effective.
Contact us by dialing (561) 328 – 8627 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs. Our counselors are available 24/7 to answer all your questions.
