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Helping a Loved One With a Drug Addiction

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One of the hardest things in the world is to see a loved one experience a drug addiction. If you have ever been in that situation, you know how trying it can be. This is especially true because you most likely want to fix the situation for them and just tell them to “snap out of it” and change their ways. Of course, if you’ve been in that situation, you also know that for most, breaking a drug addiction is a lot more complicated and painful than simply deciding to quit. If you do have a loved one who is currently experiencing a drug addiction, these tips may help you a bit as you try to deal with the situation and help him or her along the way.

Stage an Intervention With Family

You may want to set up an intervention with your loved one’s family members. During this intervention, it would be good for the family members to talk openly and frankly with the drug abuser, but in a loving way. They need to tell the individual of the pain he or she is causing in the family.

Often, drug abusers think that the only people they are hurting are themselves. By helping them see that this is not the case, they may be more willing to try other types of intervention, like drug rehabilitation. The family members also need to tell the individual that they completely support him or her in any attempts to regain control of the situation and break the drug addiction. They can then show this support and love through their actions.

Research Drug Rehabilitation Options

Most drug addicts need more than simple will power to break an addiction. Ask your loved one what he or she expects from a drug rehabilitation center and then do your research. Be sure to really study the different rehab options and call around. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their practices, beliefs, and schedules.

Being bold in this approach will help your loved one know what to expect and ensure that he or she is getting the care needed to break the powerful addiction. Also ask how the rehab clinic deals with relapses, as they often happen before success is attained.

You need to learn the best way to help an addicted friend or loved one.

Expect Relapses

Speaking of relapses, make sure that you are a supportive friend when and if they do occur. Often, those who suffer from a drug addiction relapse several times before they are able to finally “kick” the addiction. You need to learn to be understanding. If you can show that you truly believe in your loved one’s ability to break the vicious addiction, even when that loved one fails temporarily, he or she will be able to have the courage and determination to continue on and eventually succeed.

The underlying idea here is to always show your support and love for this person, even if you have your doubts. Don’t let those doubts show. Be that anchor for the person who desperately needs it and do all you can to help.

Take Care of Yourself

Some people don’t realize the great effect a love one’s drug addiction can have on their own lives. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Do not get so emotionally involved that it takes a toll on your health. Take care of yourself and do all that you can, but do not despair and let yourself become entrapped in the drug addiction problem. If you are strong, you will be much better supported and your loved one will be that much closer to breaking the drug addiction.