Seeing a loved one struggling with addiction of any type is challenging and not a good sight. But it also gives you a chance to help them get better. The problem with addiction is that most people do not see they have a problem until it is too late. Sure, a heart-to-heart conversation can initiate the healing and recovery processes. But often, you have to take a more focused approach to ensure the person gets better. That might look like joining forces with others, like mental health professionals or firms providing rehabilitation. Sometimes, intervention is necessary, and here are a few cases that require intervention:
- Compulsive gambling
- Street drug misuse
- Compulsive eating
- Alcohol use disorder
- Prescription drug misuse
As an individual who is watching a person they love fall into addiction, you may wonder: How can you help them? Well, this guide will give you a few pointers.
How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction?
Talk to them
The first step you should take is to talk to a loved one who has an addiction. You mustn’t wait for them to hit rock bottom. Start talking to them and be honest while expressing your concerns. Here are a few tips on how to talk to anyone struggling with drug addiction.
- Listen: The first step is to listen and not try to contradict or argue with them. When they feel heard, they will feel supported, which makes their recovery better.
- Educate them: Do you truly want to help them? Then, offer them helpful advice and information about how they can address their drug problems. It might be giving them a helpline number, talking to a counselor, or taking them to a therapy center. Malibu Drug Treatment Center offers the best counseling and treatment for addiction.
- Keep talking: One conversation about addiction will not solve anything. Thus, you must keep talking to them about this issue and provide them with multiple options to improve things.
They will deny it. Be prepared. It is a given that when you confront someone about addiction, they will undoubtedly deny it. They either get angry, defensive, or even refuse to discuss their addiction. They might feel ashamed or guilty. They will deny their addiction. So, instead of arguing, ensure you talk to them about the issue next time.
Understand that addiction is a disease.
Before you start helping them, you have to understand that addiction is a disease. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, or smoking, it rewires your brain, disrupting function, which leads to dependency. It shifts a drug addict towards substance use for support. Surely, you will feel frustrated with your loved ones if you see them addicted to something harmful to their health. But understand that it is a disease and give them a chance. Understand how addiction is reigning in their lives and what you can do to make things better.
Do not use your comfort or love against them.
When you are close to someone who is actively addicted to substances, it is challenging for you not to use your love or comfort against them. Saying things like, ‘If you love me, you will quit so and so does not help.’ It can be damaging, as they will feel pressured to do things, and it can get worse. Instead, remind them of your support and tell them how you can make them feel better.
Be there for them, and explain how you can help them.
A person struggling with addiction can get into trouble and deplete their resources and savings on addiction. You can help them by encouraging them to think about the future and to get a good-paying job. Make it clear that you are there for emotional support but not financially if you cannot.
Conclusion
It is tough to see a loved one suffering, and addiction is one of the worst hands anyone can deal with. However, if you take proper steps, you can help the person recover from their addiction. It will take time, and they might relapse, especially if the addiction is too much. But keep trying, and it will help them. Lastly, take care of yourself, too, because helping someone navigate addiction is challenging.
