We finally live in times that identify the depth of how serious an illness addiction can be. It affects the person in question, and all their friends and family as well. Science and extensive research have allowed us to understand how addiction works and more importantly, how it can be managed and treated. This is why we’re going to give you a couple of pointers on how you can support a loved one who is suffering from addiction. Keep in mind that a strong support system is an incredibly crucial factor when it comes to a successful and long term recovery.
Let Them Know You’re With Them, No Matter What
For someone who suffers from addiction, the hardest thing for them to do is ask for support and help. This is where you come in. It’s important that you remind them that you love and support them, no matter what. An addict can have feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, among other mental health issues that may be plaguing them and maybe the reason for their addiction. When you should this individual that you are going to be by their side regardless of their condition, it helps them to develop a sense of hope and strength to overcome their addiction.
Contact The Professionals
Regardless of how much research you may have done, it’s always advisable to get in touch with a rehabilitation center, as well as a mental health specialist that can guide you as you work towards helping the person who is suffering from an addiction. When it comes to helping a loved one, the best thing you can do is utilize the help of seasoned professionals to really get effective treatment. This is important because each person is different, and perhaps their reasons for addiction, or even the severity of their condition, is something that is well beyond your grasp of understanding. Professionals in the field of rehabilitation have either dealt with addiction first hand or have studied the factors that work behind it, and are able to overcome the situation in a much more effective manner.
Take Them Away From A Triggering Environment
The worst thing you can do for someone who is struggling with addiction is to have them continue in a place where they have triggers. This can span from actual people such as friends who feed the addiction, or even family members who enable them by not confronting the issue at hand. The best way to effectively overcome addiction and support your loved one is to take them into a new environment altogether that is devoid of triggers and will help them to focus on themselves to come out of the dark hole known as addiction.
Don’t Lecture Them
We are susceptible to often lecture people when we think we know more or better than them. This is the worst thing you can do for someone who is suffering from addiction. You have to remember that this person is already struggling as it is, and had a reason to turn to addiction in the first place- so making them feel like they are beneath you or that they don’t understand, or that they’re not good enough yet, is absolutely the wrong way to approach. You are in no way offering any kind of support if you’re trying to drill information. On the contrary, what you need to be doing is listening, and showing them that you’re there to understand their pain and help them overcome it- that you are not judging them in any way.
Understand That It Takes Time
Addiction is a problem that can stay with a person throughout their lives- the risk is always there. This is why you need to understand that recovery is a painful and slow process, and this is why your support means everything. Patience and realistic expectations through knowledge about the condition will go a long way in helping you fathom why addiction recovery takes as much time as it does.
Rally Supportive People Around To Help
It will really do wonders for the person in question if you are able to surround them with people who have overcome the same problem, or even just friends and family to remind them that they care and that they’re there for them.
If you stick by the tips provided here, you will certainly go a long way in supporting your loved one through their difficult journey as they fight addiction. Be sure to also take care of yourself, as it will not be an easy ride, but it will definitely be worthwhile. Remember that these people need us, our understanding, our love, and not judgment or discrimination as these will only lead them further down this despicable disease.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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