Every time someone you love struggles with an addiction, you feel that ache in your chest. And it can be challenging to know what to say or how to help someone with an addiction. But what matters most is that you're there.
Here are some of the most empowering ways to help a loved one recover from addiction.
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Set Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are crucial when helping a loved one with an addiction issue. People with an addiction often need more from you than anyone else. And need a safe place to fall and mess up. The demand can take a toll on you. This is why it's so important to set boundaries with them. You may need to set a time when you don't respond to their calls or texts, or you need to set a time when you are unreachable.
Show Up For Them
If your loved one struggles with addiction, they may not feel like they're good enough. It's common to hear from those who struggle with addiction that they don't deserve someone who cares about them. The best way to help someone with an addiction is to show up for them. It doesn't matter if you have to do a thousand other things. If you have time to check off one thing on your list, check off "show up for them." Your presence can be a strong reminder of how much they mean to you.
Don't Judge Their Decisions
Addiction is complicated. And human behavior is complicated. No one can fully understand what another person with addiction is going through. Your loved one may have good reasons for their bad decisions. Don't berate or judge them for their addiction. It's a physical and mental health problem with a lot of stigma surrounding it that needs breaking.
Help Them Find The Best Treatment Centers
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, they may not know where to start. They may feel stigmatized and judged for their addiction. Those who struggle with addiction may have a hard time finding treatment centers because of stigma and widespread misinformation. Give them a helping hand. You can find places that provide Methadone and Suboxone Treatment online. As well as treatment for non-opioid addictions.
Offer To Stay With Them In Treatment
If your loved one is receiving inpatient treatment for their addiction, they may be uncomfortable with the time required to be in therapy. They may have family or work obligations that feel more important than staying. It could help to stay with your loved ones while in treatment. It shows them you care and that their recovery is essential.
Be A Sounding Board
Those struggling with addiction may not be able to process their feelings. They may be overwhelmed with guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Or even angry at themselves or their situation. You can be a sounding board for your loved one. It's important to remember that your loved one doesn't need advice. Instead, they need someone to listen to them vent.
Offer Encouragement
Addiction can make you exhausted or overwhelmed by life's difficulties. As a result, it's common for people struggling with addiction to have low energy. So it might be up to you to celebrate your loved one's achievements. No matter how small they may seem.
Provide Accountability
It's important to establish an accountability partner system. People who struggle with addiction often feel shame and humiliation about their behavior. Providing accountability isn't about telling your loved one off. It's about showing them that their behaviour impacts other people's lives, as well as their own. Something that's easy for them to forget.
Help Them Find Meaning And Purpose
People often search for what they want their life to be about in recovery. It can be hard to know what to do and what to say when someone is in the midst of a recovery process. You may have to help your loved one find a purpose in their life other than addiction.
Don't Forget About Your Needs
When you're helping someone with addiction, you can feel like you are taking on too much. You may be exhausted, overworked, or overwhelmed. However, there are ways to help someone with addiction without giving up your own needs. Instead, find ways to help yourself while you help your loved one.
*contributed post*
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