“How Do I Help an Addict?” 3 Actionable Ideas for Their Loved Ones : Is your loved one experiencing the throws of addiction? In this guide, we offer three actionable tips on how to help an addict through any stage.
If someone in your life is struggling with addiction, you know that it’s something that the entire family goes through together. Helping an addict recover is a labor of love that can sometimes feel thankless.
When you know how to help an addict, you may end up saving the life of someone that you love dearly. Alcoholism alone accounts for six deaths per day.
Here’s what you should know about helping an addict recover.
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Steer Them Toward Professional Help
You might have the best intentions in the world for your addicted loved one. They might even want to help themselves.
However, only professional help can give them the treatment that they need to break this vicious cycle. Look into in-patient options, psychological counseling, and detox.
Let them know that you’ll help them during this time so that the decision is easy for them. For instance, your loved one will feel better about going to rehab when they know you’ll take care of their kids and property while they receive help.
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Show Compassion, But Set Boundaries
Your loved one needs both compassion and firmness when they’re going through addiction. The last thing they need is for you to fuss at them or make threats.
Understand that addiction is a matter that affects their whole life and that they’ll need to follow protocols and guidelines for the rest of their lives just to stay clean.
Compassion aside, you’ll also need to set firm boundaries. Friends and family often get taken advantage of by addicts because they love them. You set yourself up to become an enabler when you don’t enforce strict boundaries.
Always have lines that can’t get crossed, and always stay open and honest about their need to get help.
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Stay the Course With Them
Addiction recovery is a lifelong pursuit. Let your loved one know that you’re there for them every step of the way.
Read up on information about withdrawal so you know what to expect and what kind of ordeal they’re going to go through. Knowing what your loved one is experiencing will help you know the right things to say and what comments are harmful.
Remember that mistakes and setbacks will happen during recovery. Exhibit all the patience in the world for them as long as they’re consistently trying to do what’s best for them.
Keep lines of communication open with your loved one so that they feel comfortable sharing with you and speaking about what they’re going through.
Learn How to Help an Addict Get Through This Tough Ordeal
These suggestions explain how to help an addict recover. Watching anyone go through addiction can be gut-wrenching, but it’s always multiplied when it’s your loved one that is struggling.
Stay patient and make sure that you arm yourself with the right information to support them.
Let these points guide you toward showing a loved one compassion and understanding as you help them through this difficult time in their lives. Check back for more information that can help you with health, business and so much more.
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