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How to help someone with addiction ?

  • August 8, 2021
  • 3 min read
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How to help someone with addiction ?

If one of your family members or close friends is currently an addict, it can be extremely difficult knowing how to properly support them. You want to show that you love and care about them, but you also want to avoid indulging in their behaviors. You want to give them everything they need without compromising their addiction recovery. You want to give them advice and guidance, but you have no idea where to start.

The addict may wish to check into Rehab in Carmel to help them through recovery. However, if they are currently awaiting admission into a center, or have chosen not to use rehab, there are other things that can be done to support their recovery. New Vista Health provides different aspects of management for people suffering from drugs and alcohol addiction.

Here are some of the most effective ways in which you can help someone with an addiction.

Educate Yourself

You will never be able to put yourself in the shoes of an addict if you have not previously been one yourself. However, that does not mean you can’t take the time to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of addiction.

Be Compassionate and Empathetic

Tough love may work well for many other health conditions, but this doesn’t always apply to addiction. Instead of being forceful with the addict, focus on showing compassion and empathy towards them. This will make them feel supported and less alone in their battle. They will feel more able to open up and share their thoughts and feelings with you. This, in turn, can speed up their recovery.

Don’t Enable Their Addiction

Unfortunately, there is a fine line between supporting and enabling. You need to show your support and provide the addict with the right tools for recovery without enabling their behaviors. You don’t want to be too aggressive or harsh, but you also need to be firm with them.

Avoid Focusing on Negative Emotions

Expect the recovery process to be difficult for you as well as your loved one. By supporting them through the process, you will be affected too. However, it’s important not to let negative emotions or behaviors penetrate the relationship.

Try to avoid any focus on shame, guilt, or anger, as this can perpetuate their addiction and make it harder for them to achieve recovery. Even if the sufferer has hurt you in any way, understand that it might be because they are going through a lot. Set these feelings aside and try to focus solely on what you do to help them through recovery.

Encourage Healthy Changes

Addicts can often have poor physical or mental health. Encouraging small, but positive changes can help them to establish healthier habits. Create an encouraging environment that will promote recovery.

Lead by Example

It can be difficult supporting someone through addiction, but if you don’t take care of yourself, it can have detrimental consequences on your own physical or mental. Self-care is not selfish, and if you need to take regular time for yourself, it is okay to do so. Do not blame yourself for what has happened, and instead, look towards a happier and healthier future for your loved one.

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