Figuring out how to support a loved one with an addiction can be perplexing and even daunting. An addiction can damage every part of a person’s life, as well as the lives of their loved ones. You’ll undoubtedly be concerned for your loved one, and it might be tough to know what to do and what not to do, but keep in mind that recovery is a viable option.
How to Help with Addiction: Tips For Helping Someone in Their Path to Recovery
You probably know someone who is battling addiction and could use your help. Perhaps it’s a close relative or acquaintance. Maybe it’s a coworker. Perhaps it’s someone you know but don’t really know. Whoever it may be, you can do something to save a life and these five tips will help you get started.
1. Learn about the addiction disorder
When you’re trying to help someone with addiction, your first thought shouldn’t initially be that they need alcohol rehab or drug abuse treatment. Before doing anything, find out everything you can about your friend or loved one’s addiction disorder.
If the addiction is alcohol use disorder, remember that this condition is not just about drinking too much all the time. Alcohol as a coping tool or a social habit can appear to be alcoholism, but it is not. Even if they say they’re only having one drink, people with alcohol consumption disorder don’t drink in moderation.
On the other hand, if what your loved one is going through is drug addiction or substance abuse disorder, you should know that this disorder affects a person’s brain and behavior and causes them to lose control over their drug or pharmaceutical usage, whether legal or illicit. Drugs include substances such as nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. Someone who is addicted to these may continue to use the substance despite the harm it causes.
Point is, read and learn more about the disorder and its symptoms so you know how to better respond to behaviors that surface.
2. Be careful with what you say
Make it clear to the individual you care about that you are available and concerned. Make encouraging and helpful words as much as possible. Avoid being unkind, unpleasant, or arrogant.
Using “I” sentences eliminates accusation and allows you to participate actively in the conversation. Bringing up a specific problem could be beneficial. You may discuss instances where alcohol had an unfavorable influence, such as violent conduct or financial difficulties. You can say something along the lines of: “I love you and you’re very important to me. I’m concerned about the amount of alcohol you’re consuming, as it could be harmful to your health.”
Just be sure to prepare yourself for every response you get. Always stay calm and assure them that they have your love, respect, and support.
3. Approach them with compassion and sincerity
The best thing you can do if the individual has an alcohol issue is to be open and honest with them about it. It won’t help to hope that the person will improve on their own. Tell your loved one you’re concerned that they’re drinking too much and that you want to support them. Prepare yourself for an unfavorable response. Try to roll with any opposition to your ideas. The person may be in denial and may even become hostile in response to your efforts. Take nothing personally. Ensure that they have enough time and space to make an informed decision, and take the time to listen to everything they have to say.
4. Offer your support
Recognize that you can’t make someone go to therapy if they don’t want to. You can only provide your assistance. It is up to them to determine whether or not to accept it. Be honest, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. Consider how you would react if you were in the same scenario.
Your friend or loved one may also resolve to make personal sacrifices. Actions, however, are more significant than words. Encourage the individual to enroll in a formal treatment program. Request specific commitments, and then follow up on them.
If your loved one is suffering from mental health conditions, you might want to explore whether the person you’re helping and additional family members and friends are interested in participating in a program like Mental Health Retreat Philippines. Or course, this depends on specific factors like how serious the situation is and the person’s level of privacy.
5. Intervene with wisdom
An intervention is not the same as approaching someone to discuss your concerns. An intervention requires more effort and involvement. It includes making plans, imposing consequences, exchanging information, and proposing a treatment choice.
If the person is really resistant to receiving aid, an intervention may be necessary. Friends, family members, and coworkers gather to confront the individual and encourage them to seek therapy. Interventions are frequently carried out with the assistance of a professional counselor. A skilled therapist can help you get the person into treatment, explain the various treatment alternatives, and find programs in your region.
There will always be challenges to overcome when someone you care about is struggling with addiction. Not every issue will have obvious solutions. Some decisions will be difficult to make. Others will be given difficult deadlines to meet. “It’s not about catching them when they fall,” remember. Rather, it’s about stretching out a hand to help them get back on their feet.”