Whether it’s illegal substances or medication prescriptions, being addicted to these is not uncommon. But, figuring out a way to help your loved one overcome the addiction can be scary and intimidating. It can be so overwhelming that you feel clueless about what to do and what not to do. Addiction can affect every aspect of your life, and your loved one’s life. But, remember, recovery is possible.
Here are a few tips for helping someone with addiction:
- Take care of yourself- Addiction not only affects your loved one but everyone close to them. You may place their needs above your own and not pay enough attention to yourself, which can lead to illness and depression. Therefore, you should first ensure your physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being to take better care of your loved ones.
- Remember that they are human – At times, dealing with an addict can get frustrating. We understand, but keep in mind, they are human. Do not treat your loved one as an outcast. It can hold them back from reaching out to you for support. Instead, you should politely communicate with them and try to understand their underlying issues.
- Educate yourself- It is quite common to have feelings of worry, anger, and fear when you see your loved one is addicted to illegal substances. But, to support your loved one, you should be well-informed about the addiction and its recovery process. Take the assistance of professionals to learn how to approach them and their addiction.
- Do not use your love and comfort as a weapon- Seeing your loved one being addicted to drugs or alcohol can be very challenging and heartbreaking. But, do not give them an ultimatum like ‘if you love me, you will quit.’ It is devastating and can backfire on you. Instead, express your concerns with love and remind them they are not alone and you are their recovery support.
- Know that you can offer support without enabling their addictions- Addiction can lead to many financial, legal, and physical problems. You would want to protect your loved one from those consequences. However, make sure you do not worsen their addiction. Your loved one typically needs materialistic and emotional support in recovery.
- Understand they must learn from their mistakes- Allow your loved one to reject their cravings for drugs or alcohol by themselves. Also, let them open up about their addiction problems on their own.
- Be prepared that it can be a life-long process– Recovery is a gradual process, and you may experience several bumps across the road. Your loved one is likely to go back to consuming drugs or alcohol within their first year of recovery; however, chances for relapse decrease over time. You should know that relapses are not a sign of failure. Instead, they are an indication that you need to change the treatment method.
About Steps Recovery Centers
The above-mentioned tips will help you support your loved ones along their addiction recovery journey. You can also enroll them at Steps Recovery Centers. We are a rehab and recovery center known for our experienced and licensed staff. We specialize in addiction treatment programs and enjoy an excellent reputation amongst our existing clients. For more information about us, contact us at 801-800-8142.
