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Ways to Help a Family Member Dealing With Addiction

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While it may seem like a personal choice, when someone in your family starts taking drugs, it affects everyone. Most of the time, the person struggling with addiction hides the fact that they are suffering from substance abuse from their loved ones.

Sometimes they conceal their addiction so well that their family learns about it after it’s too late. An addiction of any kind is destructive. If your loved one has issues with substance abuse, it can cause a negative emotional, psychological and financial impact.

However, as we’ve mentioned already, their family members will also have to bear some of the burdens. If you believe that your loved one is suffering but don’t know how to approach them and how to help them, don’t worry. We are here to talk about a few ways to help a family member dealing with addiction.

Raise the Subject in an Appropriate Manner

There is a stigma around talking about addiction, but people who are suffering from addiction, in most cases, want help. They may have an underlying mental health issue and are unsure how to address it.

Sometimes, people would rather avoid the problem than confront it head-on. Confronting a loved one about their addiction can lead to an uncomfortable situation that can escalate.

If you don’t appropriately raise the subject, it may cause them to make a scene in front of other family members. They could also start to use more excessively or retaliate against you or other family members.

It’s crucial not to criticize. You should talk to your loved ones in such a way that they realize they have a problem. You shouldn’t under any circumstances accuse them or judge them in any way.

If you do, you will find the conversation utterly unproductive. In some situations, people aren’t aware that they have an issue in the first place. In others, a struggling individual will act out or even be aggressive. It would be best to be ready for that.

Learn as Much as You Can About Their Addiction as Possible

Most recovering individuals, especially those addicted to hard drugs, believe that their family and friends will never be able to understand their struggles. That is one of the main reasons why they don’t turn to their loved ones for help.

So, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about what they might be going through. You will understand them better and make it easier for them to confide in you when they are ready. If you show this effort to them, they will take your efforts to help them more seriously.

A person researching dealing with addiction

If you want to help an addicted family member, try learning as much as possible about their situation.

The best strategy for addiction management and therapy will depend on the drug on which your loved one is dependent. For example, if they become addicted to Ketamine, you should prioritize reading material from sites specializing in the medical or scientific literature on Ketamine.

Additionally, you should look for trustworthy sources like government or university-sponsored content. Information is available on the internet, but not all of it is factual or reasonable. Learning about your loved one’s substance and addiction traits will help you understand what to anticipate and how to handle the problem effectively.

Look for Professional Help in Your Area

Many drug users have additional illnesses that contribute to their addiction. As we’ve mentioned earlier, this can be an undiagnosed mental health issue or a chronic health condition. Depending on your loved one’s specific situation, some organizations can help:

  • A professional treatment center: If your loved one is only now getting off the substance they are addicted to, the best place to do it would be a rehab or detox center. Consultants at Bright Futures Treatment Center do not recommend that you let your loved one do it alone or with your supervision only. Professional help is necessary.
  • Anonymous support groups: In addition to detoxification and rehabilitation, your loved one may need a group or individual treatment. Several groups hold regular meetings to encourage drug-free living and provide a support network for those trying to overcome their addictions. These organizations often offer anonymous assistance and adhere to the 12-Step method designed for Alcoholics Anonymous.
  • Consult a professional therapist or counselor: If your loved one starts going to therapy, it can help them figure out how to battle their addiction even further. It can help your loved one from slipping back into their old destructive habits.
RECOVERY written in green on a black background

Numerous professional resources are available to assist your family member recovering from an addiction.

Be Compassionate When Dealing With Addiction

Addiction is a disease. And, just as you wouldn’t blame someone if they had a cough or a fever, you shouldn’t blame an addict. You must be compassionate toward your addicted loved one. You need to offer them help without any judgment.

It’s also critical to recognize that external variables, like stress or mental illness, may contribute to addiction. Addiction is often used as a coping method for stress, offering temporary comfort.

The transient nature of the comfort may lead to a recurrence of potentially harmful practices that, over time, develop into alcohol or opioid addiction. When learning how to assist an alcoholic family member or a loved one with any other form of addiction, being empathetic will help create trust, which is essential for effective, long-term recovery.

A woman resting her head on the shoulders of another person, representing ways to help a family member dealing with addiction

When trying to help a family member dealing with addiction, be sympathetic to your family member’s situation.

 

Conclusion

These have been some ways to help a family member dealing with addiction. As you can see, there are many ways in which you can go about this. The most important thing is to take your time with all of the things we have mentioned. You should avoid rushing because slow and steady wins the race when it comes to addiction.

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