When someone close to you is battling addiction, you want to do everything you can to provide them with the help and support they need. However, it can often be difficult to get through to your loved one, especially when they’re in the depths of their substance abuse. Many people living with addiction are in a state of denial that keeps them from agreeing to seek help. As their close friend or family member, this puts you in a challenging position.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to get your loved one to a healthier and happier place. No matter what their specific addiction looks like or how long they’ve been struggling, help is available to them. If you’re wondering what you can do to support your loved one as they battle substance abuse, there are several meaningful ways you can help.
Here’s what you can do to show a friend, family member or romantic partner that you’re there for them during every step on their path to recovery.
Educate Yourself on Addiction
You’ll be in a far better position to help your loved one if you understand what they’re going through. Even though you can never truly know what it’s like to live with addiction, educating yourself on the topic allows you to empathize with your loved one on a deeper level. This paves the way for a more meaningful conversation about addiction and its effects on everyday life.
There is a wide range of resources you can refer to that will enable you to better understand drug and alcohol abuse. Some reputable sources include the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These resources contain valuable information to help you learn more about addiction and offer the right kind of support to the addict in your life.
Acknowledge the Issue
When someone close to you is living with a disease as serious as addiction, it can be difficult to admit it, even to yourself. However, refusing to acknowledge the problem will only make it harder for you to support your loved one. The addict in your life is already facing immense pain, anxiety and stress as it is, and it’s your responsibility to show that you care for them.
Instead of looking the other way, decide to see your loved one’s addiction for what it really is. Telling yourself that the problem isn’t as bad as it truly is will only hurt you and your loved one. If you fail to recognize the signs of addiction now, they will only continue to progress as time goes on. Help your loved one take the first step toward recovery by acknowledging their symptoms now.
Be Mindful of Your Tone
The words you choose when speaking to your loved one make a world of difference. It’s important to be mindful of the tone you use when you discuss their addiction. Avoid talking down to them or speaking in a disparaging tone, as this can discourage them from making meaningful progress toward recovery.
Instead, focus on using encouraging language when speaking to your loved one. This will help them see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and that recovery is possible. Addiction can be a destructive disease, and instilling a sense of hope in someone often goes a long way. By demonstrating compassion toward your loved one, you can help them believe in themself and their journey toward sobriety.
Be Patient
Above all, it’s important not to expect your loved one to become sober overnight. Recovery is an ongoing journey that has its fair share of bumps in the road. It takes time, effort and hard work to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction, and everyone’s experience is unique. There is no set path toward recovery, and the road can change significantly from one day to the next.
You may also have to try out different treatment programs before you find the right one for your loved one’s needs. Think of this as a learning process. With time and persistence, you’ll have a better understanding of your loved one’s struggles and be better equipped to meet their needs.
Help Your Loved One Overcome Their Addiction
It’s crucial to do what you can to support your loved one on the path to sobriety. However, there’s only so much that you can do on your own. To ensure that the addict in your life receives the optimal care and treatment for their specific needs, it’s vital to choose a recovery program that’s right for them.
At Topsail Addiction Treatment, we offer a wide selection of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options. Our dedicated staff and top-tier services are tailored to your loved one’s needs to help them rise above their addiction. Reach out to us today to learn more about the services we offer in our Andover, MA, office.
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