What To Do If Your Loved One Suffers From Addiction 7-25-2018
Today’s guest blog is the creation of Bethany Hatton. Some pictures and alterations.
Addiction is tricky and calculating, and it’s the only disease that can take more than one person down with it, if it is left unchallenged. Addiction dramatically alters the lives of not just the addicted person, but of everyone within his or her vicinity, namely family and friends. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from addiction, here is what you need to know.
Treatment Options
Thankfully, there are many treatment types available. There are long- and short-term residential treatments where your loved one receives 24-hour support. There are outpatient programs where your loved one will go in at designated times for therapy. Your loved one may decide on individual or group counseling, either with traditional 12-step programs or a newer model. Whatever route you both decide upon, make sure that the program is certified. Pick a treatment that supports your beliefs. See the center beforehand. The program your loved one picks should address their individual needs, as well as underlying causes of addiction to further prevent relapse.
Having the Talk
You will need to prepare yourself emotionally. You may want to speak to a therapist before you do approach them, as they may offer good advice. It’s important to stay calm and resist the urge to berate your loved one. Try to retain trust between yourselves. If your loved one thinks you are attempting to manipulate them, no matter how justified your intentions, they may shut you out.
You need to take care of yourself foremost, and your loved one may not admit they have a problem. Stay honest about how you feel without threatening them. They may be more willing to get help if they understand your perspective and you approach them from a place of love. Listen to them openly, but don’t accept lies to justify continuing their addiction. If they won’t seek help, it may be best to leave the relationship. It will be hard, but you alone cannot make them better. They have to heal themselves and part of that is treatment.
Get Support
You may feel alone, but you aren’t. There is support out there for those who have loved ones affected by addiction. There are groups dedicated specifically for people in your situation to get support and comfort that is needed. Often, treatment programs may have systems in place to assist friends and family of those who suffer from addiction. These programs may be dedicated just for you, or therapy for you both. If you are religious, you may want to seek out support from a religious institution as they might have programs for those in your position. You may choose to start therapy on your own, and if you do, make sure you get the best. Find someone you feel you can trust and who uses a method you respond to. Research therapists in your area, and don’t hesitate to call in with any questions you may have. If you don’t connect after your first session, don’t hesitate to keep looking. Therapy will only work if you trust your therapist.
During Relapse
Relapse may happen. It may happen multiple times. It’s important to remember that your loved one is suffering from a disease. Don’t ever think you are responsible for a relapse. Even if you have had an argument, it was their decision. However, try to separate your loved one from their disease in your mind. They are so much more than their addiction. Always encourage them, especially now during their lowest, but hold them accountable for their decisions.
If you are drained, and cannot continue to live with your loved one’s addiction, it’s for the best to take a break. Let them know you still love them, but you need to look after your own well-being. That isn’t selfish. You must take care of your own mental health.
There is no easy cure for addiction. Your loved one may suffer from it for their whole life. That doesn’t mean they need to always be an addict. With your support, they may recover. However, always see to your own health first, even if it means a temporary, or permanent, break.
Leading blog Image, Courtesy of Pixabay.com has been altered.
Until next time, keep your homes well.
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