Millions of people around the world struggle with addiction. If you love someone with this horrible disease, it can be difficult to know how to support him or her. You don’t want to condone drug or alcohol abuse, but you also don’t want your loved one to be alone. Here are three steps you can take to support a loved one with addiction without condoning the issue.
Seek Professional Help
The unfortunate reality is that you cannot force your loved ones to seek help if they are not ready to admit that they have a problem with addiction. You can, however, search for a counselor who can give you guidance on how to interact with the people you care about. Working through your emotions about the addiction can give you the tools and resources you need to create an intervention for your loved one and convince him or her to seek professional help for addiction.
Set Boundaries
Addicts will often do anything for the money they need to buy drugs and alcohol. This includes stealing from friends and family members. It’s important never to underestimate addicts; they will go to great lengths for money if they get desperate. Similarly, they can also lash out in anger if you voice your opinion about addiction or try to get them to seek professional help. Be sure to visit The Hader Clinic to find out more about rehab and addiction treatment.
It’s okay to set boundaries with the people you love when they aren’t treating you fairly. You can ask an addicted loved one not to visit your home if you think stealing might be an issue. You can also cut off contact temporarily when people can’t talk to you in a civil manner. Make sure they understand that you are available if they decide they need help or are capable of being civil, but you will not subject yourself to violence of any sort. In most cases, setting personal boundaries is enough to preserve your mental health, but if your loved one starts taking extreme measures, you may need to take legal action.
Offer Help
Seeking help for addiction is a huge step. After achieving sobriety, many people need help getting back on their feet. One way you can support loved ones who are former addicts is to offer unconditional support. If you are financially stable, lend your friend or family member money to secure housing. If that isn’t feasible with your budget, let your loved one live with you rent-free for a few months until he or she can afford to move out.
Above all else, offer support. If you can’t offer financial support, try offering emotional support. Help your friend or family member find new ways to cope with stress to make drugs and alcohol less appealing. Making yourself available to listen when your loved one needs to talk is also a good way to show your support.
Loving someone who struggles with addiction is difficult. If you use these steps, you can support the people you love and help them regain control of their lives so they can be their best selves.
