Key Ways To Help A Loved One With An Addiction

When you have a loved one who has an addiction, it is not easy.

For most people in the US, the most common addictions that they or their loved ones will face are addictions to alcohol, opiates (or painkillers), and cocaine. As you may have spotted, painkillers and alcohol are, technically, legal. This begs the question; how can you support someone who has an addiction to a legally obtainable substance?

Well, there are a few ways (without taking the role of a therapist), and this article will walk you through some of the best tips to help your loved one cope with and overcome their addiction.

Encourage Professional Help

As mentioned before, one of the worst things you can do is play therapist, even if it is with a beloved family member or a friend who has an addiction. Therefore, you should encourage them to seek professional help. Even if they have an addiction to a legally obtainable substance, there are options available to help them, such as benzo detox in MA or benzodiazepine detox, opiate detox centers, and alcohol detox centers. If their addiction is not that severe, you can encourage them to seek help from a doctor, a counselor or a therapist in the community.

Educate Yourself

It’s important to know that the latest research showcases that addiction is an illness.

In order to support your loved one, you can educate yourself about addiction, as this will help you to understand the symptoms, signs, and effects of addiction, as well as the recovery process and stages that lead to recovery. This will help you to approach the situation with more empathy and patience and will (hopefully) help you to maintain your relationship with the person who has an addiction.

Offer Support but Set Boundaries

You should make it clear that you are there to support your loved one with their addiction in relation to helping them to talk through their feelings. To do this yourself, you will need to be patient and understanding.

However, you also need to set boundaries. Why? Well, you don’t want to enable their addiction and put your own mental health at risk. So, make sure you set boundaries and stick to them. This will ensure that you are both aware of where you stand, and you will also maintain your self-esteem.

As painful as it is, sometimes you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. If your loved one constantly destroys your boundaries, then it may be time to take a step back from them.

Be Open

You also need to work on your communication with them. If you are frustrated, then say so.

If they have made you angry, then tell them. However, it’s worth noting that there is a right and wrong way to do this. Do not confront them outright; rather, express your frustrations and talk to them about why you feel the way you do. If they get defensive and start shouting, walk away. The last thing you want is to get into a shouting match.