Seeing someone you love struggling with addiction can be heartbreaking. It can be even more difficult if they are not ready to acknowledge their problem and need help.
If you have been wondering how to help someone with addiction, you must know you are not powerless. Your love and support can make a positive difference in their lives.
Here are eight things you can do to help them.
1. Take a moment to educate yourself
Did you know that addiction was a disease? Whether your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you must remember that their addiction is not the result of a choice they made.
Educating yourself about addiction, its symptoms, and its causes, you will be better equipped to understand what they are going through.
It will also be easier for you to help and give them the support they need.
2. Tell them you are concerned about them
Your loved one is the one who has to decide to change and seek help. But if they don’t realize they have a problem, they might not listen to you if you tell them they must treat their addiction.
Start by telling them you are concerned about them. But be sure to do it with love and compassion, without blaming or threatening them.
For example, instead of telling them what they are doing is wrong, tell them how you feel about their behaviour.
3. Work on establishing trust
They will be more likely to take your concerns seriously if you can establish trust between the two of you.
Avoid criticizing them or yelling at them, even when what they do is making you feel sad or angry. If there are tensions between you, it will be more difficult for you to help them.
Let them know that you are there for them and that they can count on you for support. However, don’t try to protect them from the consequences of their actions, as this will not help them in the long run.
4. Encourage them to seek professional help
To help someone with addiction, you should encourage them to seek professional help. Different treatments could help, and the best option for them depends on their situation and the nature of their addiction.
Addiction treatment centers and rehab programs are usually beneficial to help someone struggling with addiction change their behaviour and habits. Your loved one would be properly supported on their way to recovery.
Help can also come through support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication.
5. Offer them your support
People who struggle with addiction sometimes cannot see how much their family and friends love them. Their addiction can make them feel isolated and misunderstood.
Therefore, to help someone with addiction, you have to remind them that you love them and that they can count on you for support.
And make efforts to keep a positive mindset. Relapses and slip-ups can be expected, but do your best to look for the positives and celebrate every little step forward.
6. Establish boundaries to protect your energy
It’s normal to want to help someone you care about. But you must remember that keeping them clean is not your responsibility.
Be sure to establish boundaries to protect your energy and to honour these boundaries. Even though you want to help and support your loved one, you just can’t always be available for them.
And if you need support, don’t hesitate to seek it out.
7. Be sure to take care of yourself
You should always take good care of yourself. But it’s even more important to take care of yourself first when supporting someone else with their issues.
If you are constantly tired and burnt out, you won’t be of any help. So rest, exercise, eat healthy food, and do things that make you happy.
And again, if you need support, seek it out.
8. Lead by example
Finally, if you want to help a loved one struggling with addiction, do your best to lead by example and act as a positive role model for them. If you abuse drugs or alcohol while telling them they have an addiction problem, they will see your behaviour as hypocrisy.
And remember to notice and celebrate any progress they make. Recovery can be a long journey, so you will be helping them by reminding them of their goal and how far they have come.