Many families struggle with the addiction of a family member. It is a strange and complex situation that doesn’t come with a manual. What makes it confusing is the emotions that come with our relationships intertwining with the symptoms of substance abuse. Many family members feel depressed, lost, and betrayed by their loved one engaging in this behavior during this process. However, addiction is something that takes over without consent. Addiction treatment is more successful if the person struggling with addiction has the love and support of those around them. This article addresses some ways to help a loved one through treatment.
Empathy
Most people wouldn’t blame someone with a physical ailment; they would likely be sympathetic and eager to help them get better. The same empathy and comprehension should be shown to someone with an addiction. Recognize that addiction is a sickness rather than a personal trait or decision. It is taking over the user’s body and controlling their actions and causing them to lose conscious thought. It is critical to empathize with someone with addiction and understand that they are fighting something outside their character.
It’s vital to realize that outside influences, such as stress or mental illness, support an addiction. Addiction is frequently used as a coping mechanism for an even bigger problem. The temporary nature of the alleviation may lead people to continually seek out potentially harmful behaviors that can transform into an alcohol or substance addiction over time. Therefore, it is essential to help address underlying issues when treating addictions. This can end the cycle of shame that is associated with continued use. The presence of guilt is another element of addiction that families must be wary of. Feelings of guilt can perpetuate substance abuse, causing a cycle of guilt and substance use.
Shame
Families should avoid blaming the addicted family member for their addiction. While spousal, parental, or sibling instincts may surface, it is not appropriate to utilize tough love in these situations. Shaming or berating a family member battling alcohol or opioid addiction is frequently detrimental to their recovery. One of the reasons why this is incorrect is that addicts are stuck in a cycle of shame and abuse. The shame of their addiction leads to their use, which fuels their shame. When loved ones add to this fire, this can multiply guilt and minimize any remaining desire to become clean. Users already have enough negative emotions in their heads. They don’t need supporting evidence.
Understanding
The reality of addiction, especially for those who have been sober all their life, can be confusing. This may limit their ability to empathize with their loved ones. Knowing how to help someone with an addiction can be accomplished by becoming knowledgeable about addiction and treatment. Knowledge is power. Doing some research on addiction can be helpful for someone unsure how to assist. They should find out about the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and potential options for treatment. When a family member is in recovery, it is helpful if others learn about the particular form of recovery their loved one is going through so they can better understand their experience and what kind of support they are getting.
According to MEDSURG Nursing, incorporating harm reduction strategies, such as understanding and caring behavior, yields the best opportunities for helping people get the care and treatment they need. In addition, it is forming positive reinforcement for their actions which is far more influential than the constant negativity they receive in their addictive habits.
Protecting
While it is natural to want to protect loved ones from actual harm, the best way to help them is not to enable their actions. Between assisting someone with an addiction and encouraging them, it can feel like an impossible responsibility. Sometimes, even when people think they are shielding a loved one from the effects of their addiction, they may be permitting them to carry on with potentially harmful conduct.
According to Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, the proper way to help patients and refuse to enable them is to support them in continued addiction recovery. Establishing limits and rules for the well-being of all family members is crucial. It is also essential to uphold those boundaries and limitations. Since it’s done to protect both the addicted person and the other family members, tough love is helpful during this part of recovery.
Family Healing
The power of family is an influential force that can change lives in many ways. When someone is going through addiction treatment, their support system can help them succeed in the long term. At First Steps Recovery, all clients are offered family therapy during inpatient treatment. The clients and everyone who accompanies them are valued. First Steps Recovery has a team of experts who are waiting to serve all families who may be in a variety of situations. Everyone deserves to be free from the pain of addiction. Long-term sobriety can be a reality.
Addiction is a disease that finds its way from our loved ones to our families, who are often not prepared to face the effects of substance abuse. At First Steps Recovery, we understand how painful and confusing this journey can be, but we also know how to help someone get free from addiction. Our team of experts and physicians empathize with those choosing treatment, understanding the next steps involved. We ask you to contact our facilities if you are looking for treatment options. We want to see you free from the pain of addiction to embrace a life of true sobriety. It is possible to find your happiness again. Please call us at (844) 489-0836 for more info.
Addiction is a disease that finds its way from our loved ones to our families, who are often not prepared to face the effects of substance abuse. At First Steps Recovery, we understand how painful and confusing this journey can be, but we also know how to help someone get free from addiction. Our team of experts and physicians empathize with those choosing treatment, understanding the next steps involved. We ask you to contact our facilities if you are looking for treatment options. We want to see you free from the pain of addiction to embrace a life of true sobriety. It is possible to find your happiness again. Please call us at (844) 489-0836 for more info.
