How to help someone who is addicted Helping a friend or loved one who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction can often be a long and heartbreaking journey. Sometimes, it can be so confusing that ignoring the situation may seem like an easier solution. However, sweeping the problem under the rug can harm you, your family, and the person you worry about. No matter how painful it is, it’s important to take the time to encourage your loved one to get the help they need.
Tips to help someone with drug addiction (How to help someone addicted)
Helping a loved one who suffers from drug abuse is not easy, and there is no magic formula to make your loved one stop using drugs. However, here are some suggestions on how to help a loved one get treatment for their drug addiction:
Educate yourself about addiction
See what you know. Unless you have knowledge about addiction and drug abuse symptoms, it is easy to miss the signs right in front of you.
Addiction is complicated, and it’s okay if you don’t know everything right away. However, taking the time to understand your loved one’s illness and how it affects them is very beneficial for you and your loved one. It also helps you to be more aware of the signs that your loved one needs help.
Show your support
People with addiction do not always understand how much their family and friends love them. Talk to your loved one about your concerns, and don’t wait for them to hit rock bottom to talk. Let them know that you will support them on their journey to recovery.
Encourage them to get help (How do I help an addicted person)
As with other diseases, the sooner addiction is treated, the better. However, don’t be surprised if you encounter denials or excuses as to why they can’t seek or refuse treatment. Be persistent about how important it is for them to get into treatment for their addiction, but avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed in the process.
Another option is to make an intervention for your loved one. Although difficult to do, an intervention may be exactly what your loved one needs if they are deep in their addiction. Consider hiring an interventionist to help you through this process.
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Support recovery as an ongoing process
Once your loved one has decided to go into therapy, it is essential that you remain involved. Continue to support their participation in ongoing care, meetings, and recovery support groups. Be the support system they need, and show them that you’ll be there every step of the way.
take care of yourself
Although you may see this as selfish, it is very important to be able to be with others and make the best decisions possible. Make sure your needs are met by getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well. Don’t be afraid to go to therapy for help if you find yourself struggling because of your loved one’s drug addiction.
What to avoid when talking to a loved one about addiction
When talking to a loved one about treatment for their addiction, here are some things to avoid:
Preaching, lecturing, threatening, or morally preaching to someone you love
Emotional appeals may increase feelings of guilt and compulsion to use drugs
Lying or making excuses for their behavior
Take charge of their responsibilities – doing so protects them from the consequences of their behaviour
Enabling their behavior by covering up the abuse or giving them money for drugs
arguing with your loved one when they are on drugs – during this time your loved one will not be able to have a rational conversation and will likely not be open to what you have to say
Feeling guilty or responsible for their behavior – it’s not your fault
If you feel that your loved one is taking drugs, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek treatment for their addiction. Be loving and supportive, but also know that they are likely to make excuses for their behavior. Be firm about what you want, and keep encouraging them to get help. Although this is not easy, it is an important first step in helping them lead a healthy and happy life in recovery.
Understanding Drug Addiction (How do I help an addicted person)
People start taking drugs for many different reasons – curiosity, to have a good time, because friends do it, to improve athletic performance, to numb emotional pain and more. Substance use does not automatically lead to abuse, and it is often difficult to pinpoint a single moment when drug use goes from accidental to problematic.
Substance abuse and addiction are usually lower in terms of the number of times a person uses the substances. Rather, it is more about the reasons why people turn to drugs in the first place and the consequences of their use. For example, if substance abuse causes problems in your life, such as job loss or strained relationships, you likely have a substance abuse problem.
Not everyone who takes drugs becomes addicted. The likelihood of someone becoming addicted to drugs varies from person to person.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of addiction include:
A family history of addiction
Abuse, neglect or other traumatic experiences
Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression
Method of administration (injecting or smoking a drug that may increase the likelihood of addiction)
Early use of drugs
Symptoms of drug abuse
There are many signs — both physical and behavioral — that indicate substance abuse. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, and the symptoms of abuse vary from drug to drug. However, some general signs that your loved one may be addicted to drugs include:
Sudden change in behavior
Mood Swings
Withdrawal from family members
Red or glass eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Problems at school or work
Lack of energy or motivation
Neglect about personal care
Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
Changes in sleep patterns
Sudden demands for money or high spending habits
If you or someone you love suffers from drug abuse or addiction, Future Hospital can help you. Call us at 00201029275503 today to find out more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs.
Medical Disclaimer: Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people with substance abuse or mental health disorders through fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.
