Assisting Someone Who Is Addicted

7 Suggestions for Assisting Someone Who Is Addicted

The problem with addiction is that the addict isn't the only one who suffers from it. Family and friends may struggle with the addict's conduct, financial and legal issues, and the daily struggle of supporting a loved one. Here are seven suggestions for family and friends who want to help a loved one who is addicted.

Educate Yourself

Find out more about addictions. Recognize the disease process of the addict. Learn more about how it affects your family and friends. Knowing more about yourself and your loved ones will help you understand them better. There are a variety of places to look for this information, including- The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA.gov) provides a wealth of instructional and informative materials. The public library and the internet both contain a wealth of material about education, groups, support, and treatment, among other topics.

Get Support

When you have a loved one who has an addiction problem, it can be extremely difficult to lead a normal life. There are a variety of organizations that can assist you in learning how to deal, providing resources, and assisting the addict, such as:

• Aagraha Foundation (Drug & Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Center)

• Alcoholics Anonymous (Focused on Alcohol addiction)

• Narcotics Anonymous (Focused on drug addiction – prescription and illegal)

Seek Specialty Help 

By contacting your local Group Members or Mental Health Agency, you can frequently find institutions that provide support on a sliding scale. Counselling services may also be provided for free or at a reduced cost by local groups.

Don’t Enable 

When the illness develops, it is challenging for family members. Frequently, without even being completely aware of it, family members have helped the person's addiction. Rescue the addict not. Let them suffer the effects of their illness. People frequently resist change until it is forced upon them. Don't contribute money to the addict's addiction. To help someone out, many family members and friends will buy groceries, provide financial support to pay court costs or attorneys, or pay rent, but in most cases, this just serves to prolong the disease because addicts can continue using without facing repercussions.

Have Realistic Expectations

Don’t preach or lecture the addict. Most of the time, they cannot hear what you are saying. Continue to hold them responsible for expectations and provide assistance in guiding them to the necessary medical care. Addicts can't make promises while their sickness is still active, so don't count on them too. Don't respond out of sympathy or rage. This merely keeps you involved in the addict's journey. 

Visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre to learn more about how to get a referral and evaluation if your loved one is ready to receive treatment. 

You can also get in touch with local Legal Aid organizations to determine whether you qualify for such services, or they might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can help.