How can you support a loved one with addiction
Addiction is a chronic yet treatable condition marked by compulsive substance-seeking behavior despite serious negative consequences. It's a common misconception that individuals battling addiction can simply quit using drugs or alcohol with sheer willpower. However, the changes in the brain caused by addiction make quitting extremely difficult, and sometimes even dangerous, without the right support.
Recognizing the early signs of substance use disorder (SUD) can be crucial in helping your loved one. Some behavioral indicators to watch for include:
Frequent or sudden shifts in their social circle, particularly toward people you don't know or trust.
Withdrawal from family and friends.
A lack of communication with you or other family members.
Uncharacteristic, inappropriate, aggressive, or violent actions.
Altered sleep patterns, either more or less than usual.
A noticeable decrease in self-control and motivation.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Abandoning hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
Neglecting personal grooming and self-care, which could signal low self-esteem.
Making excuses for unacceptable behavior or reacting with anger when confronted.
Engaging in stealing.
Displaying secretive behavior, such as making whispered phone calls or sneaking around.
If you've noticed several of these signs, it may be time to seek professional help for your loved one’s addiction.
Should I Discuss Their Addiction with Them?
Your involvement can be pivotal in helping your loved one get the treatment they need to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. However, knowing how and when to start this conversation is important.
Here are some tips for approaching your loved one about their addiction:
Choose a calm, quiet time when they are sober and free from distractions.
Avoid confrontational approaches, as these are often ineffective and can even worsen the situation.
Speak to them directly, with love and without judgment.
Allow them the space to express their feelings and struggles, and listen actively with empathy.
What Your Loved one Can Expect from Treatment
Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual's specific needs, taking into account their substance use, as well as any medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal challenges.
Treatment can occur at different levels of care. For example, your loved one might begin with a medical detox and then transition to an inpatient facility. The length of treatment—whether it's a short-term, 30-day, or 60-day program—depends on their unique circumstances.
Rehabilitation focuses on evidence-based therapies to help your loved one develop the skills necessary for long-term recovery. Detoxification alone is often insufficient, as it primarily addresses withdrawal symptoms.
The treatments your loved one may encounter include:
Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) to help change patterns of behavior and develop healthy coping strategies.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, is particularly effective in treating addiction.
Peer support through approaches like the Community Reinforcement Approach and 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which many individuals continue to attend after completing rehab.
Psychoeducation, which helps patients understand SUD and the importance of adhering to treatment plans and the coping strategies they learn in therapy.
Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting Your Loved One
Supporting a loved one through recovery can be stressful and affect your own mental well-being. It’s essential to take care of yourself by:
Seeking support from community programs that offer help with basic needs like food, clothing, and transportation.
Considering individual counseling to discuss your feelings and concerns.
Prioritizing self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and maintaining social connections.
Family members often find peer support groups helpful. Some of these include:
Moving Forward After Rehab
Recovery is an ongoing journey that continues even after your loved one completes a rehab program. Toward the end of treatment, they should receive an aftercare plan that includes various forms of ongoing support, such as 12-step groups, alumni programs, or counseling.
Relapse is a common part of recovery, and if it occurs, it doesn’t mean failure. Instead, it may indicate the need for additional or adjusted treatment. It’s important to remember that relapse isn’t your fault, and the responsibility for recovery lies with your loved one.
Here are ways you can continue to support them and yourself:
Keep attending self-help meetings and encourage your loved one to do the same.
Avoid using substances in their presence.
Offer ongoing support, love, and encouragement, and let them know you’re proud of their progress.
Spend time together engaging in enjoyable activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
Help them identify and avoid triggers that could lead to relapse.
Assist them in returning to treatment if relapse occurs.
Treatment can help your loved one regain control of their life and improve their overall well-being. No matter how challenging the situation may seem, there is always hope. If you want more information on how to assist your loved one with addiction, please call 239-212-1500 to explore treatment options.
