When a Loved One Struggles With Addiction

A loved one with an addiction can cause trying times for their family and friends, whether or not they’re trying to be disruptive. This does not mean, however, that shutting them out is the best thing to do. If someone you care about is struggling with either an alcohol or drug addiction, there are steps you can take to help them and everyone affected. Read on to learn what they are.

When a Loved One Has an Alcohol or Drug Addiction

Recognize Signs of Addiction

Though you might not be able to get your loved one to open up immediately, there are behaviors you can spot. Some of the mental and physical ones include:

Memory and deduction problems
Work or school problems, including expulsion
Lying about use
Stealing to afford the drugs or alcohol
Trouble maintaining relationships
Sleeping problems
Poor hygiene
Unusual weight loss or gain

The sooner you recognize any of these signs in your friend or family member, the sooner you can do something about it.

Talk to Your Loved One

It’s never a bad idea to want to talk to your loved one about your concerns and fears, so long as you do it with the intent to help. Judging or condemning them can make the conversation harder, as can encouraging them not to make any changes. Offer information and assistance without taking responsibility for their actions. While you can’t force them to seek professional help, you can point them in the right direction and support them in their pursuit to get better.

Support Their Rehabilitation

When the time comes for your loved one to start treatment, genuine support can help to keep them on the healthy path. Cheer them on as they pursue their goals, and don’t abandon them if they mess up. Beating a drug or alcohol addiction isn’t always straightforward, so they’ll need someone in their corner if things get tougher. Remember that addiction is a disease, so it could take time for your loved one to recover, and there may be setbacks and struggles along the way.

Take Care of Yourself

While your loved one’s drug addiction needs attention, you shouldn’t put all your concern and effort into it. Be sure to tend to your own needs as you work through things since addiction affects everyone involved. Getting help with your own worries both prevents you from having worse problems yourself and keeping you strong for others.

Nobody wants their loved ones to suffer addiction. If you’re worried that family or a friend is taking a turn for the worse, help them help themselves; support them when they take that step. Contact Kolpia Counseling Services to get things started and check out your options.