How To Help a Loved One Battling Addiction
While there is a lot of shame associated with addiction, many people would be surprised to know that nearly 1 out of every 10 Americans struggle with it. If you know someone battling addiction, you are not alone. Of the 10 percent of people struggling with addiction, only 11 percent reach out for help. Asking for help is the biggest step a person can take in their battle against addiction. As the person watching the battle, here are some ways you can also be a part of the battle.
1. Know the Signs
Perhaps one of the reasons close to 90 percent of people don’t get the help they need is because they don’t have someone close to them willing to recognize the signs. It can be easy to look the other way rather than deal with the issue. This type of behavior will also destroy relationships, because as the person gets deeper into their use, they also develop habits that hurt themselves and others, such as stealing to pay for their habit, losing their job, and neglecting their appearance.
Knowing the signs of addiction, and offering to help before a bad situation gets first is your first line of defense. Often, the person may refuse help, but don’t let up. Eventually, they’re going to crash and need it. Addiction Intervention can be provided by a professional or simply by a family or a friend.
2. Find Treatment
Not all rehabilitation centers are created equal. You can’t slap the same bandage on for the various types of wounds. Look for an addiction center that caters to an individual’s unique needs, such as Palm Springs Rehab. They take a scientific and evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, which is going to offer the best outcome.
Many times, a good treatment center will also uncover an undiagnosed mental health disorder. They may also discover a propensity for other types of addiction that need to be addressed. A treatment center, like The Recovery Village Indianapolis, should make every effort to treat the whole person and not just the addiction.
3. Get Help For Yourself
If you’re in a relationship with someone battling addiction, it’s likely you also need help. After all, you’re going through a great amount of stress, and you may also be dealing with trust and patience issues. While you can’t control the behaviors of other people, you do have control over how you handle the situation. Getting involved in a support group can allow you to stay focused on the addiction and overcoming it while allowing you to forgive any trust that has been broken.
4. Keep Communicating
Talk to your loved one about how their addiction impacts you. While you’re having these dialogues, this is your opportunity to help them see the importance of treatment due to how their addiction is impacting you. Always keep the discussion calm and non-threatening so you don’t create a deeper divide causing the break off of all communication.
Battling addiction is hard, but it’s also difficult for the loved one who is watching it while it is happening. Remember, addiction is a disease. No one chooses to become an addict. Having patience and persistence can pay off greatly during these trying times.
