Families of around 21 million Americans experience a turbulent time as they help one or more members cope with substance abuse disorder. Some remain helpless throughout, while others cut off all ties with the person because of the stigma and negative impact on their life. However, you can be different from both of these types of people by helping your loved one overcome addiction. Listed below are a few practical tips to help someone you care for overcome a severe addiction.
Enhance your knowledge about substance abuse
Our society considers addiction a form of moral degradation and a prominent character flaw. However, this isn’t true. Among other reasons, lack of knowledge is significant in building this perspective. People don’t know that addiction disorders are a mental health issue and not merely a bad habit people pick up from their surroundings.
Before making any decisions and assumptions, you need to understand addiction to its core. Learn about the signs, symptoms, reasons, treatment, and what causes relapses, in addition to any information you can find. There is plenty of information available on the internet and in libraries. You can also get the help of some professionals at a rehab center such as Delphi health group to educate yourself and help your loved ones get the proper treatment they need.
Acknowledge their addiction
Your denial and ignorance will not reduce the intensity of the issue. When we realize our loved one is suffering from substance abuse disorder, our initial response is to act like nothing is wrong because humans tend not to acknowledge unwanted changes. However, our ignorance will not change the situation, but accepting and rectifying it will surely do well.
Instead of hiding their mistakes and paying for their liabilities, make it very clear that you will not support their drug usage. Anyhow, moral and emotional support must never end because they need us by their side while they fight their addiction.
Do not have idealistic expectations
It would be best if you show patience because addicts are not in any state to control themselves. If you think they will listen to you or willingly adhere to their treatment, you might be mistaken. The influence of substances suppresses their intelligence, empathy, care, and other emotions. Their desire to satisfy cravings is above any commitment. Therefore, when you are dealing with an addict, having idealistic expectations is foolishness. Instead, be realistic.
Additionally, avoid preaching, judging, expecting, and shaming. Try to listen, understand, counsel, and show them a route to recovery. They may be reluctant initially, and under severe conditions, they might even get agitated and violent, but your consistency will bring them back to life one day.
Help them explore new interests
Addicts usually consider everyday life boring. Drugs take over the primary responsibility of boosting the secretion of feel-good hormones instead of activities they previously enjoyed. These chemicals give them a constant high. However, you can help them on the journey to recovery by encouraging them to find new interests like sports, video games, hanging out in good company, cooking, working out, etc. These new productive activities will help stay occupied and distract them from giving in to their cravings.
Build trust
There is a fine line between caring for someone and controlling them. And when a person is emotionally and mentally unstable, they do not think straight. Even though you may be trying to help, they may undermine your efforts because of the paranoia associated with extreme addiction. Under such circumstances, you need to create a strategy to enhance trust by empowering your loved one. Instead of exhausting them with overprotective behavior, let them make decisions. However, to guide their decisions, feed them with all the necessary information they need.
Convince them to get professional help
It is naive to assume that quitting addiction requires only good intentions and knowledge. A recovery process not fueled by professional guidance rarely reaches a successful outcome. And as addiction is not a decision but a disease, sufferers must get treatment to treat it.
But as hard it is to quit an addiction, convincing them to get help is more challenging. Keep yourself prepared for excuses and denial but do not lose hope. Further, do not argue if they are irritated because it will give them the impression that you are imposing your choices.
Find the best rehabilitation center for them
Once you successfully convince them to get professional help, start searching for some good rehabilitation centers.
According to a study by the Recovery Research Institute, numerous addicts have resolved their addiction problem after seeking professional help. However, it would be best to find one that is affordable, has good services, and is well known. The suitable facility understands the unique needs and behavior of individuals. The professionals can also devise personalized strategies for every patient, which increases the chances of recovery.
Most people make the mistake of getting into any rehab without proper research. And when they do, they do not get the desired results. So before choosing any facility, try to research at least 5 to 6 centers. You can find information online, visit the facility or get reviews from former patients, if possible.
Do not ignore your health
Taking care of yourself is as important as helping your loved one recover from addiction. By compromising your life, health, and mental peace, you will add to the problems instead of assisting in the recovery process. When a person is stressed out, their actions and decisions are based on emotions rather than logic. So you should keep your mind and body sound by getting support, exercising, eating healthy, sleeping well, and socializing. Your high spirit will encourage your loved ones to improve their state.
Conclusion
It is complicated to help someone dealing with addiction, and you may want to give up at some point. But remember, no good comes without effort. And no one will be happier than you to see your loved one coming out of destruction. This article mentions a few tips for you to help someone overcome an addiction. Educate yourself, accept their condition, set realistic expectations, convince them to seek professional help, look up treatment options and take care of your health during the entire process.
