It can be extremely difficult to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. Even though you will likely find yourself upset, there are things you can do to help and support your loved one.
Overcoming addiction is difficult; your loved one will need support to help succeed in their treatment.
If you’re looking for ways to help support your loved one during their addiction recovery process, there are a few ways you can help.
Educate Yourself
Not only can learning about addiction help you, but it can also help your loved one.
Learning about addiction can help you recognize the signs of drug addiction in adults, as well as signs of relapse.
Educating yourself can help remove the stigma that is often associated with those struggling with substance abuse. Addiction is complicated and learning about it can help you be more sympathetic towards their illness.
Stay Busy
Finding hobbies and activities to engage in with your loved one can help keep them distracted. Whether it’s completing a puzzle at home or going on a walk outside, keeping your loved one engaged and active can be extremely beneficial.
Time spent unengaged and alone can be dangerous for their mental health. Those in recovery may find themselves overcome with emotions and threats of relapse can arise.
Providing an outlet for your loved one to stay occupied is a great way to keep them distracted.
Refrain From Enabling
It can be heartbreaking to watch your loved one struggle with drug addiction or substance abuse disorder. You may feel like helping them by paying their bills or giving them money will satiate their problems.
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
By providing monetary support, you inadvertently help fund their addiction. To avoid enabling your loved one, allow the consequences of their actions to catch up to them instead of stepping in to prevent it.
This can be difficult to do, but enabling your loved one will only further self-destructive behaviors.
Encourage Treatment
While you can’t force adults to seek help, there are ways to help motivate your loved one to pursue treatment.
If your loved one hasn’t considered getting professional help, researching different types of treatment can be extremely helpful. This can illustrate that they have someone who cares enough to do research and help them decide.
However, don’t make seeking treatment an ultimatum. While it may seem effective to say “You have to get help or I’m done,” this is a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
Instead, voicing your concern and pledging your support is a great way to help someone consider professional treatment.
Overcoming Addiction Will Not Happen Overnight
It is important to remember that recovery takes time and that they will need consistent support throughout their process of overcoming addiction. There will be ups and downs throughout their progress.
Being there as a safety net for your loved one can be exhausting and draining, so be sure to set boundaries and practice self-care during the process.
For more informative and helpful lifestyle and health tips, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more.
