By Lizzie Weakley
Millions of Americans suffer from an addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal substances. With that number so high, it is quite likely you may one day find yourself in the position of attempting to help a loved one who is struggling with a substance abuse issue. While you won’t be able to completely solve their problem for them, there are some things you can do to help your loved one begin their journey to recovery.
1. Be Emotionally Available
Too many friends and family members turn away from an addicted loved one either because they don’t wish to be around that kind of behavior or because they feel their absence will encourage their loved one to stop their substance abuse. While you will certainly have no wish to do anything to encourage any addiction behavior, your love and support is very much needed. Let them know you still love them no matter what happens and encourage them to get professional help. Your support could make all the difference in the world to a person lost in addiction.
2. Refuse to Enable
While you don’t want to withhold your affection for the substance abuser, you must not do anything that will enable their behavior. Though it will most likely hurt you to do so, you must always refuse to give money to a substance abuser. Even if your loved one tells you he plans to steal or do something else undesirable to get money for his addiction, you must not give in to the temptation to help them. If you feel you must pay their rent or keep them fed, it is important that you pay their rent directly or buy them food rather than ever hand over a single dime.
3. Bring Supporters Together
If your addicted loved one is blessed with extended family and friends, then this is the time to bring them together to help you convince the one addicted that his problem has spiraled out of control. This type of intervention can be informal with just family and friends or you can hire a professional substance abuse counselor for a more formal session. Often, this type of outpouring of love and support from several people can help to open the eyes of the addicted person and encourage him to get the help he needs.
4. Rehab or Recovery Program
Once you have helped to show your loved one that it is time to seek professional help for his addiction, you will want to help him find an appropriate program. Usually, a phone call to a rehabilitation or recovery center like Ascend Recovery will get the ball rolling and have your loved one on his way to recovery. He may be considered as an inpatient or an outpatient and will be able to receive help with withdrawal symptoms, specialized counseling, behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention to help pave the way to a completely successful recovery.
These few steps could quite literally make the difference between life and death for your loved one. Do what you can and be sure to reach out for help from a professional substance abuse counselor to help ensure a successful recovery for your loved one. You can be assured that once your loved one has beat the addiction, he will be eternally grateful to you for all of your love and hard work.
