helping a loved one with addiction

When a loved one finds themself struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, the first response we feel is to jump in and help however we can. If you’re committed to being there for them through their recovery, there are some foundational elements of being a strong support that you should know about. There’s a fine line between helping an addicted individual and enabling them to continue their addictive behavior.

Set Yourself up for Success

One of the reasons many supporters struggle to be consistent is they start neglecting themselves in order to care for their loved one. It’s noble to take care of those around you, but not at the cost of your own personal health. The person you’re helping needs to know they can rely on you at any time, so make sure you’re in top shape.

The best way to achieve this is to create a consistent routine that makes staying on track simple and effective. Morning exercise such as walking or yoga is low impact and easy to work into your schedule, with a balanced diet keeping your body fueled. When you take time to build yourself up each day, you’ll be better equipped to help those around you.

Remember To Protect Your Own Interests

There’s always a learning curve when it comes to understanding a new relationship dynamic. Even if you’ve known your loved one your whole life, they can quickly change their demeanor and personality due to the impact addiction is taking on them. They may make requests they wouldn’t before, such as repeatedly borrowing money, with the sole purpose of using the favor to further pursue drugs or alcohol. The more you enable this behavior, the more you give towards a worsening situation.

To protect yourself and still help your loved one, draw a line in the sand between assisting and enabling that they know not to cross. Stay strong in your convictions with these boundaries, setting expectations that you aren’t interested in being involved with them if they can’t respect your boundaries.

You Can Always Call For Help

If your loved one is in need of treatment or is struggling to complete rehab, there are options available. The traditional approach is an intervention where you and others close to the addicted individual share their concerns. If they’ve already agreed to treatment, finding a more compatible facility may be what they need to boost their recovery.

When the time comes to bring in professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to America’s Rehab Campus. We’ve helped thousands of families heal and grow from their run-in with addiction, and we’re ready to help you too.