Substance abuse treatment can be a life-saver for individuals whose relationship with drugs or alcohol has gotten out of control. It can also be essential for starting the healing process for their families and loved ones. After all, the road to substance abuse and addiction involves not just the addict but everyone they interact with.
When Substance Abuse Treatment Becomes Necessary…
By the time families and loved ones realize that substance abuse treatment might be a necessary next step, they may feel like they’ve exhausted all of their coping mechanisms: the months or years of confronting or avoiding the problem, arguing or threatening or pleading with the addict, may have left them wondering what to do next. They may wonder how their loved one got to be like this, or what they could have done differently to convince them to seek substance abuse treatment sooner.
It’s never easy trying to persuade someone you love to seek help for their substance abuse problem, but here are ten helpful tips to help you get started.
- Avoid using words like ‘addict’, ‘co-dependent’ or ‘enabler’ as they carry stigma which may lead the addict to put up barriers.
- Communicate in a non-judgmental way. Be aware -and convey this awareness- that everyone is different and that there are many different paths toward positive change.
- Make sure you establish your own personal limits.
- Acknowledge the strengths of your loved one. Their substance abuse should not define who they are. Don’t let this aspect of their behavior color your perception of them as an individual.
- Take care of yourself. If you feel emotionally or physically depleted, it will be difficult to be supportive of your loved one.
- Recognize the feelings of ambivalence your loved one may be facing. Choosing to seek substance abuse treatment is a huge step and they may feel like their whole world is about to turn upside down. Empathize with them.
- Taking the above ambivalence into consideration, be careful to avoid threats. Instead, suggestions and invitations are more empathetic.
- Recognize and address your own issues with your loved one. Seek help through support groups like Alanon.
- Instead of initially insisting they seek help for substance abuse, you could instead suggest a visit to a mental health provider to address stress or anxiety issues. Addiction issues can be brought up during the initial consultations in a professional atmosphere.
- Seek help from a medical professional you trust. They can help you to communicate with your loved one so that you are able to make your concern known without being confrontational.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
