helping a loved one with addiction

When a loved one is in need, it’s only natural to jump to their aid and give them whatever they ask for to help. Unfortunately when it comes to addiction, the requests made are in the best interest of the addiction itself and not your loved one’s well-being. It’s a challenge of balancing help and enabling, the latter of which only worsens the situation. Understanding how to help someone battling addiction opens the door to creating a healthy support system for them.

It’s About Both of You

Preserving a relationship with a loved one going through recovery is a labor of love. Addicted individuals often talk or act a certain way due to the effects of their disease. You should only put into the relationship what you’re getting out of it. Sometimes the best option is to distance yourself to maintain what relationship is there. Seek out family therapy which specializes in helping friends and family members of those in recovery learn how to handle the situation in a healthy manner.

The stronger you are, the more you’ll be able to help your loved one. Stability and security are major components in what makes a recovery attempt a success. Be there for them through treatment and help only in ways that push them closer to a life of sobriety. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and you can help someone you care about through it all if you take care of yourself first.

When you’re ready to take on the support role in your loved one’s journey, remember that compassion and accountability should be the foundation your help is built upon. The goal is to help them achieve their best life. Don’t be a source of shame or scolding.

No One Is To Blame

The plan to help your loved one needs to be free of casting blame on them for what they’re going through. You can still hold them accountable for their actions but remember that addiction can cause severe lapses in judgment and critical thinking. It’s difficult when drugs or alcohol are the main objective of their daily life and suddenly they’re being removed.

Be patient with them as they go through withdrawals. Symptoms felt during detox can be extremely painful and also cause problems regulating emotions and processing new information. The best way to help someone with their recovery is to transition them into a treatment center for professional assistance. Medical staff and medication can diminish withdrawal symptoms during a medically-assisted detox.

For many individuals in recovery, the detox period is the hardest part. Next they’ll be receiving individual and group therapy to help tackle the driving forces behind their addiction. Everyone deserves a chance to beat addiction because no one asks for it in the first place. Sympathy carries a lot of value for everyone close to an addicted person.

Just Don’t Be Overextend Your Support

Part of addiction is doing anything possible to find and consume drugs or alcohol. Some may resort to lying and stealing in order to get more of their substance of choice, all fueled by their addiction. Make sure that your efforts aren’t being taken advantage of by your loved one. An example would be repeatedly giving them gas money to get to work since they spent theirs on drugs or alcohol.

It may seem difficult to deny a request from someone you care about when they’re in need but it helps progress them along their road to recovery. Set boundaries early on and stick to them with real consequences should they be crossed. Remind them that you’re only willing to help if they’re willing to respect your boundaries and commit to treatment.

Without a promise from them to get professional help, the support you’re providing may not have an expiration date. Relapse is a common part of recovery but the chances of successfully getting through detox without medical assistance are low. Some withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal for those recovering from severe alcoholism or drug abuse making proper treatment even more critical.

Addiction Treatment Is Always Standing By

Accessibility has been the focus for many groups in addiction treatment, including America’s Rehab Campus. To make recovery as simple as possible, the ARC treatment center assists with every step of the process from intake and medical detox to cognitive behavioral therapy and a vast network of after care specialists.

ARC accepts a vast majority of insurance plans available through an employer or the state. If you have any questions on what treatment means or what your insurance may cover, reach out to a compassionate ARC team member today.