When a loved one or friend is struggling with substance abuse, it is heartbreaking to witness. You want to try and help, but you feel helpless and may not know where to turn to for help or where help is even available. You may have gotten a loved one into a treatment program, but your loved one did not complete their treatment program. After all your effort, you seriously doubt how to help a loved one with addiction.
If you have run into a wall trying to help a loved one with addiction, don’t despair! Despite the helplessness you may feel, this article will give you excellent information on how to help a loved one with addiction. Sequoia Recovery Centers is a top-tier drug treatment program located in Spokane, WA. Our treatment programs and expert support help turn despair into hope and ultimately lasting recovery. Our Washington medical detox center and compassionate support team will help your loved one and family become empowered on the road to recovery.
What Can You Do to Help A Loved One With Addiction?
To help a loved one with addiction, you must approach the situation with patience and knowledge. The following tips allow you to provide the help and support your addicted loved one needs while setting healthy boundaries and allowing you time to take care of yourself and your family:
Educate Yourself
Learning how to help someone with addiction starts with educating yourself about addiction itself. Learn about the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and its impacts on your loved one’s physical and mental health. Talk to your family doctor or local addiction professional. You can also turn to government-sponsored and authoritative websites such as SAMHSA for valuable resources regarding your loved one’s addiction.
Understand the Signs
It is also important to recognize the common signs of addiction such as the following:
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Wide and unpredictable mood swings
- Withdrawing from family members and enjoyable hobbies and other activities
- Problems at work or school
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Lack of personal hygiene and self-care
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Increasing financial issues
Offer Support
When you are helping someone with their drug addiction, do not wait until they hit “rock bottom” to offer your help and support. Tell your loved one that you are concerned and offer your help and support. Be empathetic but consistent in your offer. While your loved one may not take you up on it the first few times, it helps plant a seed when they are genuinely ready to get clean and sober.
Get Support For Yourself and Your Family
Addiction is a family disease. When a loved one struggles with addiction, you want to do everything in your power to help. Your help may come with great intentions, but it may do more harm than good. If you or family members are enabling an addicted loved one, it may create bitterness, resentment, and anger will some family members. This may lead some family members to substance use to cope, or they may engage in high-risk behaviors to get attention.
To get your family the help they need, it is highly recommended that you join a support group. Groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon were specifically created for the loved ones of addicts to get support, resources, and guidance. These groups are comprised of parents and loved ones of addicts and you can hear firsthand how they are dealing with an addiction in their family. Additionally, support groups provide the valuable resources you need to help your loved one.
Practice Good Self-Care
Dealing with a loved one’s drug addiction is both physically and mentally draining. You must be able to meet your own needs and have “me time.” Be sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and get plenty of restful sleep It is important that your family members also do what is needed to take care of themselves. Having healthy family activities such as bike riding, camping, or movie nights are a great way to spend quality time together, communicate, and grow closer as a family unit.
Call Sequoia Recovery Centers Today and Get the Help You Need!
Addiction tears families’ lives apart, sometimes to the point of no repair. Don’t let substance abuse ruin your loved one and your family. Sequoia Recovery Centers is the Pacific Northwest’s premier drug rehab facility. We offer our clients evidence-based programs, services, and support that address addiction and promote health and healing for the entire family. Today is the day you put an end to the devastating impacts of addiction; call Sequoia Recovery Centers right now.
