Having a loved one struggling with substance addiction is
terribly heartbreaking. At times, you may feel utterly helpless because it
seems that you cannot do anything for them. However, you should take a
proactive approach rather than ignoring the situation. It is important to be at
their side and not give up hope because you may actually help them to come out
clear with patience, determination and love. Here are some tips to help a loved
one in overcoming their addiction.
Educate yourself about their condition
To start with, you need to understand that addiction is a
disorder and not a choice. Learning about the condition, it symptoms and treatment options helps you in
taking them on their recovery journey. Also, you should know all about relapse
as it can happen to the addict even after treatment and recovery.
Offer unconditional support
De-addiction is a time-taking and complex journey, which is
as tough for the addict as it is for the family. You need to offer them
unconditional support, in terms of money, time and encouragement. Be there for
them through the thick and thin because they would experience tough withdrawal
symptoms as a part of the treatment plan.
Motivate them to get help
Like any medical condition, addiction too is treatable if you
seek the right kind of help. You can expect denial and even refusal from them.
If they are not willing to do so, be persistent and convince them that they
have a problem that needs to be addressed. Also, do some research and find them
a respected rehab centre in your area so that half the work
is done for them.
Be there for them during the treatment
Your job is not finished once you convince your loved one to
get into rehab. You need to be involved actively throughout the grueling
journey. Be there during the entire rehabilitation program, attend meetings and
stay connected with the care professionals to stay updated about the progress.
Besides acting as their support system, understand how you can prevent them
from going into relapse.
Take good care of yourself
Besides making efforts to help your loved one to get out of
the rut, pay attention to yourself as well. Prioritize your health because you
need to be fit and healthy to play a supportive role for the person struggling
with addiction. Eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and practice
meditation to stay stress-free. Be prepared for a journey that will probably be
long and taxing.
Have an empathic attitude
Avoid strategies like preaching, threatening and moralizing
to prevent your loved one from going in the wrong direction. Rather, have an empathic attitude and try to understand what they are
going through. At the same time, be firm with them and convey clear
expectations that you want them to recover completely no matter what.
Being vigilant is crucial because addiction is treatable
faster if you identify and address it early. Keep an eye on the addict even
after they seem to have recovered completely because the probability of a
relapse is always there. Staying calm and positive throughout the journey is
the best way to emerge successful.
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