How To Help An Addicted Loved One

How You Can Help Your Loved One with Addiction

Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or socio-economic background. And while it’s often seen as a problem that someone has to hit rock bottom before they can start to recover, this isn’t always the case. 

In many instances, addiction can be successfully treated if loved ones are willing to provide support and assistance through the recovery process. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, here are some ways you can help them get on the road to recovery.

The Causes Of Addiction

The causes of addiction are many and varied. There is no one “cause” of addiction. Rather, it is a complex disease that has multiple factors. Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others. This can be due to genetic factors, mental health disorders, trauma, or exposure to drugs at an early age.

People who struggle with addiction often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with pain or trauma. They may also use drugs as a way to escape from reality or numb their emotions. We want to stress though, addiction is a disease, just like any other. But the good news is, because it is a disease it can be treated effectively. 

Addiction is a progressive disease that can get worse over time, and the longer someone uses drugs, the more likely they are to develop an addiction. In some cases, it also may be more difficult to treat. Addiction is also often accompanied by other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help from a professional treatment program as soon as possible. The longer the addiction goes on, the more harmful it can become for your loved one, you, and your family. It will likely be harder to treat the longer it goes on. You wouldn’t let diabetes or cancer go untreated, and the same goes for addiction.

With proper treatment, your loved one can overcome their addiction and live a healthy and fulfilling life.

The Warning Signs Of Addiction

If you’re worried that a loved one may be struggling with addiction, it’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. Addiction can manifest in many different ways, so it’s important to be aware of the most common ones.

One of the most common warning signs of addiction is a change in appearance. If your loved one suddenly starts neglecting their personal hygiene or they lose a significant amount of weight, it could be a sign that they’re using drugs or alcohol to cope with something.

Another warning sign is a change in behavior. If your loved one is acting out of character or behaving erratically, it could be a sign that they’re using substances to self-medicate. Additionally, if they start missing work or school, or if their relationships suffer as a result of their behavior, it’s likely that addiction is playing a role.

While these warning signs by themselves are not enough on their own to suggest addiction, they are important factors. If you notice any of these warning signs in your loved one, it’s important to reach out and get them help. Addiction is a serious disease that can ruin lives, but with treatment and support, recovery is possible.

How To Help An Addicted Loved One

It can be difficult to watch a loved one suffer from addiction, but there are ways you can help. Here are some tips:

• Educate yourself about addiction and its causes. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
• Educate yourself on the treatment options in your area, the type and amount of insurance your loved one has, and their ability to travel to rehabilitation centers.
• Encourage your loved one to seek professional help. This could mean attending therapy or counseling sessions, attending AA or NA meetings, or enrolling in a rehabilitation program.
• Be supportive and understanding, but also set boundaries. It’s important that you protect yourself from being pulled into their addiction. You don’t want to enable their addiction either by offering money or other material support. 
• Help them with practical matters, such as finding a job or a place to live if they’re struggling, but treatment is the number one goal. 
• Be patient – recovery from addiction is a long process full of ups and downs. Offer your love and support through the good times and the bad.

Treatment For Addiction

If your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible. The longer they continue using, the more damage they’ll do to their bodies and minds. There are many treatment options available, so it’s important to find one that will work for your loved one.

Inpatient treatment is often the best option for those with severe addiction problems. Inpatient treatment centers provide around-the-clock care and supervision, which can be very helpful for those in early recovery. Outpatient treatment is another option, and it can be a good choice for those who have a strong support system at home, although there is a misconception that “outpatient treatment” means patients get to go home at night. Generally it means they still live in a sober living situation and are treated outside the facility and go back to the sober living house in the evenings. 

No matter what type of treatment your loved one chooses, it’s important to be supportive. Addiction is a disease, and like any other disease, it requires treatment. Show your loved one that you care about their recovery and offer your help however you can.

Getting Professional Support For Loved Ones With Addiction

If you think your loved one might need professional support to deal with their addiction, you are welcome to call us at any time. Our phone number is (844) 620-1546 and we are looking forward to hearing from you and helping your whole family recover.