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If you are starting to suspect that a friend or loved one behaviour is being too much of a problem due to a drug or alcohol addiction, it can be hard to tell them that they have a problem. Learn how you can address the problem with them.
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Addiction is devastating for not only the person struggling with their affliction but it also affects people around them such as their close friends or loved ones like their family. Knowing someone who is close to your heart has a problem with substance abuse can be extremely difficult and it hurts to see someone become so different from what they once were. One of the most common responses to the addiction of a loved one can be anger and frustration as you have no idea why they are doing this to themselves but you must understand that addiction is an illness.
Understanding more about how addiction works can make you get that well-needed help for someone who is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction. People struggling with addiction need your support more than they’d like to admit and with the power of your support, there is a higher chance it can help them overcome their addiction.
Signs Of Addiction
Signs of addiction can vary depending on the drug they are currently using. However, there are some common signs that addicts display in their everyday life. If you are starting to suspect that a loved one has an addiction, ask yourself are they showing these signs?
- Acting secretive about their behavior.
- Having sudden money problems.
- Shaking, slurred speech and lack of coordination.
- Changed friendship group.
- Random severe moodswings.
- Physical appearance has changed.
- Lost interest in hobbies and socializing with family.
If a loved one is showing a few if not all of these signs, then it might be time to start seeking out help from rehabilitation centres to get them the treatment they need.
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The First Steps Of Helping A Loved One With An Addiction
Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy way to help a person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. If they are at a stage in their life where they don’t want to change their habits or refuse to believe they have an addiction then it can be really hard to force them to accept they are an addict and can even lead to a relationship between someone breaking down completely.
There are some steps you can take in order to address their addiction in a polite manner, reach out to them but don’t be judgemental about their behaviour as at this point it’s an illness and lecturing someone will likely lead them to unneeded conflict. Instead, establish a two-way conversation with trust. An addict is more likely to come around and see their ways through an honest conversation where both parties can talk about their feelings.
You are going to be more than likely to hear some denial but if you have examples of when their behaviour concerned you, you can try to overcome these certain denials with honesty.
In the short time, it can seem easier to help hide drugs & alcohol from them and make excuses for their behaviour but in the long term, it is going to be worse. Don’t blame yourself for an addict’s current situation as you can’t control people’s actions and to get them on the road to recovery they will first have to accept responsibility of their actions and be ready to start getting clean.
Getting Help For A Loved One Or A Friend
One of the most effective ways to get a loved one to recognise their addiction is through an arranged intervention. An intervention arranged by trained individuals is a process which involves family and their friends expressing their feelings on how the addiction is currently affecting the individual to make them recognise the extent of their addiction and motivate them into taking the first step to recovery.
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What Treatment Will They Recieve?
Once they have accepted the problems their addiction is causing them they can start to begin the road to recovery. They are most likely going to need some form of rehabilitation which can come in various amount of ways. The most effective rehabilitation treatment programme is an inpatient rehabilitation centre where they are able to take a current break from everyday life and focus on the most important thing which is beating their addiction.
It’s always important to continue the support you’ve shown them while in rehab, they will have all around the clock support from specialists and therapy from professionals who can help them delve into their feelings and understand more about the triggers that force their use. Once they understand their triggers, they can avoid putting themselves in a situation that makes them want to use and battle their addiction better.
Get Help For Your Loved One Addiction
We have a 24/7 hour trained and friendly support team here to give you advice on how you help your loved one as people will always be in different stages of addiction and might require help bespoke on their situation. We will give you support for yourself and how we can help your loved one plus decide which rehabilitation treatment program will be most suited to your friend or loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your loved one may get angry when you talk about their addiction. It can be hard to help someone who is addicted and feels that they need to make the change themselves – but being there for them will let them know how serious you are! In order for them to seek treatment, it’s important that you offer love and support as well as making sure they’re safe from situations with substances.
When you are in rehab, it’s important to make sure that you don’t feel alone. Your family and friends can be a great way to help with this. You may visit your family member or friend when they are in rehab as long as they have given their permission and the visiting hours allow for visitors. You may also send them care packages or letters if permitted by the facility.