It can be difficult to watch someone you love struggle with their addiction and any related mental health issues. Truth be told, they need your help to overcome these challenges. The following article will give you tips to help you help them, enabling you both to get through this troubling time.
Recognize the Problem
For you to be able to help your loved one, you have to know what’s going on with them. Addicts are great at hiding their addiction, so it is important for you to pay attention. Take the time to notice any red flags. Some of the most common signs of addiction include:
- Appearing consistently intoxicated
- Going out to events only if drugs or alcohol are present
- Stealing to pay for drugs or alcohol
- Lying about their consumption
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms
The signs, however, aren’t always this obvious. Some other things you should keep an eye out for include:
- Developing memory/cognition problems
- Having issues with sleep (appearing lethargic, sleeping too much or too little, etc.)
- Neglecting their appearance and/or hygiene
Be Supportive
Once you recognize your loved one’s addiction, you can begin to help them. Understand that addiction is not a choice your loved one made; it is a mental illness that can have serious consequences. Do your research so that you can get a better idea of what they’re going through.
Also get an idea of what they’re going through by talking to them. Gently tread the subject, as it is a sensitive topic for many addicts. They might get upset or defensive when you bring it up, but make sure they know that they can talk to you.
Be Firm
This point might seem contradictory to the previous one, but being firm with an addict is one of the best ways to help them. When an addicted loved one is part of your life, you might find yourself:
- Taking responsibility for their actions. You care about your loved one, so you clean up after them. You might find yourself constantly picking them up from the bar or covering for them at work.
- Putting their feelings before your needs. You are so concerned about their wellbeing that you forget to take care of yourself.
- Unintentionally fueling their addiction. You always give them money when they ask for it, even if you know it’s going to go to drugs or alcohol. You might also encourage their behavior by drinking or doing drugs with them.
It’s important to set boundaries when in a relationship with an addict. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself so that you can help them accordingly. Don’t encourage their behavior by being enabler. Be supportive, but let them know that you are only being firm to help them get better.
Seek Professional Help
Many addicts struggle to recover without professional help. This is perfectly normal and nothing that you or them should be ashamed of. An addict might be hesitant to reach out for professional help on their own, so you might have to take the first step.
New Life House sober living, for instance, is dedicated to helping families help their addicted loved ones. The sober living facility takes in young men and assists them in overcoming their addiction through a strict regime.
Prepare for the Worst
In many cases, fighting against addiction is a lifelong struggle. Your loved one may remain sober for a long time and end up relapsing. Remain optimistic and continue to support your loved one so that they can recover again and live a normal life.
