Drug or alcohol addiction is a very difficult problem to overcome. It is also a problem that can destroy people’s lives and the lives of their loved ones. If somebody you know is struggling with this addiction, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible and to follow the necessary treatment plan. A professional will help them understand what type of treatment is most effective for their situation, and they will be able to help them find the most appropriate treatment center for their needs. These are some ways you can help a loved one overcome drug or alcohol addiction.
Stop Enabling The Person
Encouraging drug or alcohol use, providing money for drugs and alcohol, or hiding a loved one’s use of drugs and alcohol are all examples of enabling. Enabling a loved one can make it more difficult for them to stop using by taking away their desire to stop. It may seem like you’re helping in the short term, but it will make it harder for your loved one to get clean and sober in the long term. You can start by taking away whatever you are enabling them to use.
Provide A Safe Environment
Understand that your loved ones will likely be ashamed of the things they’ve done while under the influence and that they may feel very uncomfortable sharing this information with you. However, it is important to create an environment where they feel comfortable being open with you about what has been going on in their life. If your loved one is open to talking about their addiction, use the opportunity to be compassionate and understanding. Avoid being judgmental and offer encouragement and support in their decision to move forward with getting help for their addiction. Patience will be important as treatment can take a long time, so make sure you are prepared for the commitment needed before taking action.
Offer Support
Support comes in many forms. You may support a loved one by offering encouragement to enter treatment and support during the recovery process. Check in with them often and offer your help during difficult times. You can also offer to go with them to support group meetings.
Introduce Healthy Hobbies
You may also be able to encourage a loved one to get treatment by introducing them to new healthy hobbies. Many options could interest someone with an addiction, including exercise programs, art therapy, and volunteer work. Whatever activity you choose to pursue together should be non-threatening and non-competitive that the two of you will enjoy doing together. These hobbies can distract from drug or alcohol use and give your loved one a healthier option to pursue.
Make A Plan Ahead Of Time
You can research the best treatment options for your loved ones before they are ready to decide. By informing yourself about the available treatment options and their associated pros and cons, you can help your loved one find the right fit for them. You may also want to search for support groups or other resources in the community that you can offer your loved one. You may need to stage an intervention with other concerned family members if your loved one is not receptive to getting help on their own.
Consider Inpatient Treatment
If your loved one is being arrested and they are being destructive, you may want to consider checking them into an inpatient treatment center. Inpatient treatment centers offer round-the-clock support and supervision that can help someone who has been abusing drugs or alcohol for a long time to break the cycle of using and start on their path to recovery. In conclusion, helping a loved one get clean and sober from drug or alcohol addiction can be very difficult. However, remember that the way you approach them will impact their willingness to get the treatment they need. You need to be patient and supportive during this process because it can take longer. By following these tips and helping your loved ones find the appropriate treatment, you will be able to help them move closer to recovery every day. To get help enrolling your loved one into rehab, call 866-963-7200.
