How to Help a Family Member with Addiction

Drug addiction is a beast that takes control, making it almost impossible to overcome it alone. While the reasons for addiction are many, the result is a person unable to cope without the drug. This is due to the drug taking over their chemical makeup to drive the addiction.

If you have a loved one in your family who struggles with this, it can be devastating. As uncomfortable as you feel, remember they are in a worsening position and need strong support from others.

You may also be unprepared to help because you are not well versed in it, but there is much you can do. This is how to help a family member with addiction.

Learn About Their Addiction First

There are many types of substances people can become addicted to, and they vary in effects, including:

• Physiological
• Financial
• Emotional
• Environmental

You must understand what addiction is and why it happened to your loved one. To start, search online to educate yourself about their specific form of addiction. This knowledge will empower you to handle situations more effectively when interacting with them. As you learn more about the processes of detox, withdrawal, and different treatment options, you will be better equipped to manage the challenges that come with addiction. Additionally, consider reaching out to the addiction hotline California for expert advice and immediate support. This resource can provide you with guidance tailored to your situation, helping you navigate the complexities of addiction recovery.

Set Boundaries

When we see a loved one struggling, we usually want to help. For an addict, this often involves hiding the condition or shielding them from the consequences. You may also help them financially and take over some of their other responsibilities, but ultimately, this is enabling.

The best way to love and support them is by setting boundaries for their actions and holding them accountable for unacceptable behaviours. If you cover up their addiction, no one gets help.

Addiction Treatment Centers

A person with an addiction must want to recover from it, or there won’t be any improvement as you can’t force them to quit. Once they decide, they must get the best help possible through an addiction treatment center. 

An addiction treatment center is dedicated to helping transform a person’s journey toward a life outside of addiction. They can commit fully to their long-lasting recovery. For those seeking an in-patient treatment program, this is where true healing can occur.

Stage an Intervention

The idea that a person has to hit rock bottom before breaking free from addiction is bad advice because, for some, rock bottom means death. Instead, you should gather other concerned friends and family and stage an intervention to try to get through to your addicted family member.

This should be a carefully planned process you can do as a peer group or with a healthcare professional. Once you have met with the individual, talk to them about the effects their addiction causes. Ask if they would accept treatment.

Start organizing your intervention by outlining a solid plan. Gather relevant information and form a dedicated team. Clarify the specific goals you hope to achieve and prepare a guide or notes for what each participant wishes to convey. Invite your loved one to a secure location for the meeting, ensuring it’s conducted in a supportive environment.

Explore Treatment Options

After intervention, it’s critical to maintain contact and confirm that they are pursuing change or exploring treatment options.

Professional intervention counsellors can be extremely valuable. A counsellor knows how to navigate the intervention efficiently and keeps you focused on the objectives. You can systematically address the 5 “A’s” of an intervention through their guidance. They are the framework for executing the process effectively.

• Ask
• Advise 
• Assess
• Assist
• Arrange

Recovery Methods

Treatment centers offer a variety of services to combat addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy, known as CBT, addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors. Similarly, somatic therapy facilitates the release of harmful emotions through mind-body techniques.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (or DBT) provides strategies to help individuals acquire new skills for building fulfilling lives. Meditation practices clear the mind and maintain focus on the present moment, while yoga serves as both a physical and mental discipline. Art therapy offers a creative outlet for stress relief and increased concentration.

Recovery is supported by educational and addiction support from experienced physicians. Emphasizing total sobriety, group therapy sessions allow individuals to share their experiences in a supportive setting. Specialized sessions cater to individual needs, covering areas such as anger management, grief counseling, trauma healing, and stress management.

Entering an esteemed rehab center can revolutionize an individual’s life, making it a crucial step to enduring recovery. Be vigilant for warning signs and act promptly. Your intervention might be the turning point that helps a loved one regain control of their lives.