Watching someone you love deteriorating from an addiction can be heartbreaking. Sometimes it can be difficult to convince them get help. Whether they do not think their addiction is a problem, or simply just do not want to stop, it can be difficult to convince someone to begin a treatment program.
Most people that attain real success in treatment all had an internal desire to stop their addiction. It takes willpower and determination to overcome addiction. The person you care about may not want to change their ways and be hesitant to get professional help for addiction.
If someone does not want to change their behavior on their own, it may be difficult to persuade them into seeking a treatment program, but not impossible.
If you are in a situation where someone you love is hurting themselves with an addiction, here are some tips on how to communicate with them, how to help them understand they need help, and how you can cope with being in a relationship with someone who has substance abuse problem.
How To Communicate with Someone Who Has An Addiction
When communicating with a person suffering from substance abuse disorder it is important to establish trust and understanding. Remember, this person has a disease that requires proper medical treatment. Establishing trust between the two of you is an important step in helping someone with addiction consider changing their behavior.
If is helpful to avoid being overly critical of a person with an addiction. Nagging, yelling, and name-calling should be avoided. These are negative ways to initiate communication with someone. Most people do not appreciate one-sided conversations or being “lectured”. Always try to maintain a dialogue where each person is heard. Try to approach all conversations with a positive attitude and goal in mind. Always be honest about your feelings. Your loved one may express feelings of blame towards you for things you have done or said that they feel are contributing to enabling the addiction. Try to listen with an open mind and stay positive. These types of positive conversations help to maintain or build additional trust between you.
How To Talk To A Loved One About Seeking Help For An Addiction
Loved ones can help to influence a person struggling with drugs or alcohol to take steps to become clean. Sitting down and talking to the person about your concerns in a positive and calm manner can have an influence. Sometimes a good conversation about your feels will be enough to encourage a loved one to seek the help they need.
A common way to help encourage someone to get help is called an intervention.
Interventions are planned group meetings where loved ones are open and honest with the addicted person. Each person shares how the addicted person’s behavior has affected them in a negative way. Many times, people share how watching the addicted person harm themself makes them feel. We recommend that if you choose to stage an intervention, always show love respect for the addicted person. A properly performed Intervention has the potential to be a very positive and cathartic experience for everyone involved.
If you would like to plan an intervention for a loved one, we encourage you to contact a professional intervention specialist in your area.
How To Cope With Being In A Relationship With An Addict
Interacting with someone in the depths of drug or alcohol addiction can take a toll on you. It is okay to seek help and support for stress related to your relationship with an addicted person.
Drugs can change the way a person behaves. Many addict people will choose drugs over family, friends, and their responsibilities. Being in a relationship with an addicted person is often stressful due to the person’s negative behavior. Seeking the support of others in your situation may help you successfully manage your own needs while trying to get them help.
Al-Anon is a 12-Step Program for family and friends of addicts. Support groups like Al-Anon can help you cope with the stress of being in a relationship affected by addiction.
How To Prevent A Loved One From Relapsing
If the person with the addiction lives with you, start by removing all substances from the house. Try to stay active during these trying times. An idle person in early recovery may allow boredom to drive them to relapse. New activities and exercise that keep the body moving also keep the mind from drifting to thoughts of getting high. If someone you love in recovery is eating unhealthy foods, and not taking care of themselves, try to guide them towards a better diet and hygiene. Eating well, grooming, staying busy, and supporting the person with the addiction will help to keep them from relapsing.
What To Do When A Loved One Relapses
If someone you care about has relapsed, it is important you be there for them without being negative, angry, or judgmental. Regardless of what triggered the relapse, your goal should be to get them back into treatment.
If you would like more information on treatment programs offered here at Pride Recovery Center, please contact our Admission department, and speak with a Treatment Specialist.
