Battling drug addiction is something thousands of people do every single day. It doesn’t affect any group of people. Men and women from all walks of life find themselves battling addictions to powerful drugs like heroin, methamphetamines, crack cocaine, and many others. Most people don’t plan to become addicted to the drug; it sort of just happens, as life always has a way of doing.
Is your loved one among those who battle an addiction to a drug and they cannot seem to stop despite its detrimental consequences? It’s not an easy battle and your loved one could use all the support in the world to help them get through life without using drugs. There are so many easy ways to help a loved one who is battling drug addiction. Check out 7 of the best ideas to help your loved one below and make sure to use each technique to provide this person with the love and support they need.
1. Know the Signs of Addiction
Sometimes, admitting there is a problem is the hardest part of battling addiction. If you notice the signs of a potential drug problem, reach out to your loved one. So often, signs of addiction are there but we are simply afraid to speak up. Don’t be that person. Drugs are dangerous and they’re deadly. It’s better to speak up than to be sorry that you didn’t later.
2. Set Boundaries
Establishing boundaries amongst those we care the most about is sometimes difficult, but necessary in order to enjoy our own lives and help them stand on their own two feet without interfering with your well-being. Make sure setting boundaries with your loved one is done. When boundaries are set and in place, you can live your life freely and can help stop your loved one’s addiction without feeling guilty.
3. Be Supportive
When a person battles drug addiction, they’re faced with a million different emotions and thoughts all rolled into one baffled and oftentimes overwhelming package. Be there to listen to your loved one and do your best to understand their challenges. Offer your support, guidance, and advice, but most importantly, a shoulder to lean on and a hug when it’s needed the most.
4. Don’t Judge Your Loved One
It is easy to judge someone who uses drugs, but avoid this at all costs. The truth is, you really don’t know their story; you only think that you do. Don’t judge, ridicule, or criticize a loved one with drug addiction. They’re likely already aware of anything you could tell them and this will only encourage them to feed their addictions.
5. Treatment Options
A variety of treatment options offer various types of help. Start with Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab. Rehab centres offer an array of support services to drug addicts and their families. At least 90 days in inpatient rehab is recommended for best results at breaking free from addiction. Help your loved one find a compatible drug rehab treatment centre to get their life back on the right track -without drugs.
6. Help Yourself
Addiction affects a family in many ways. We oftentimes find ourselves so concerned with our drug-addicted loved one that we forget how important it is to take care of ourselves. Don’t be this person. Remember how important it is to practice self-care and ensure that it’s a regular part of your day. Oftentimes, they’re left angry, hurt, and broken, and with so many questions. Many support groups and services provide help for families dealing with an addicted loved one. These services and groups are free and low cost and help attendees gain a better understanding of addiction.
7. Aftercare Programs
Once your loved one completed rehab, aftercare programs provide the support that helps them maintain sobriety and independent living as they re-enter the world drug-free. In addition to housing and clothing programs, aftercare services may also include sponsors, counselling and therapy services, assistance with resumes and job searches, medical care, and treatment for mental illness. Help your loved one find the best aftercare services to meet their needs.
More than 21 million people over the age of 12 battle drug addiction every single day. It could be a brother, a sister or even a mother or a best friend who’s fallen victim to the powers of addiction. It doesn’t mean that all hope is lost; it simply means they need a helping hand to overcome an obstacle in their life.
The 7 tips above offer insight into helping a loved one battling drug addiction. Use each of these tips to help ensure your loved one breaks free from the cycle of addiction with your helping hand there to guide them every step of the way.
