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Written By: Care New England on March 4, 2021
Dealing with a person struggling with drug abuse and alcohol addiction can be a long and draining journey. Oftentimes, this might get so overwhelming, that one reaches a point where ignoring the person and their situation may feel like the only solution left. However, ignoring and assuming nothing is going on can only cause more problems and damage to you, your relatives, and, more significantly, the affected person. It might be painful, but what is crucial is that you take your time while encouraging the person to get help.
To be of help, you must first understand what drug addiction is. Understand that several factors may have led the person to drugs, such as; curiosity, numbing some emotional pain, athletic performance improvement, and peer influence.
Drug addiction is never about the number of times one does drugs, but rather why the person seeks these drugs to begin with. Also, not everyone who uses the drugs will end up being an addict. Being an addict depends on the individual.
Some of the risk factors that lead to an increased likelihood of addiction are:
After understanding addiction, you will need some guidelines on how to help this person. This person needs to be directed toward the proper treatment, encouraged and most of all, loved and supported during their recovery journey.
That said, here are some tips on how to take care of people struggling with addiction:
You need to know what addiction is, who is an addicted person, and what the symptoms are of addiction. Only then can you recognize addiction symptoms in your loved one and understand what they are going through. Learning about addiction helps you better understand your loved one's disease, what they are going through, which is the first step to helping them.
Most addicts fail to see how much they are loved. Try to show them how much you care about them and are willing to support them. Let them know that you are willing to go beyond to see to it their recovery is successful and lasting.
Like any other disease, the earlier the addiction is noted and treated, the better. Be persistent with your loved one about the importance of seeking the appropriate help. Also, do it in a way that they won't feel ashamed, or guilty. You can also employ the assistance of an intervention specialist who will help you navigate the process.
When your person agrees to treatment and perhaps even medication, it is vital you continue supporting their recovery efforts. Support may come in various forms, including displaying care, going to meetings, or even introducing them to support groups. Assure them that you are there for them in all steps needed to recover.
It is not easy to manage your own life, while helping someone suffering with an addiction. It is essential to remember that you need to take care of yourself first, before being able to take care of someone else. Ensure your own needs are met; exercise often, eat well, and take care of your own mental health.
If you are in the Rhode Island area and want to help a loved one along their journey to recovery, reach out to us and our team of experienced specialists.
