When someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you might feel helpless. You don’t know which way the person will turn or what mood they will be in. You don’t know how to help. Addiction is a complex disease that often has multiple causes. People addicted to drugs or alcohol often have other problems as well. They may be victims of violence, abuse, and other troubles in their lives. You may want to offer words of encouragement, give that person support with a hug, or both. Here are a few ways you can support someone struggling with addiction.
● Express Your Concerns Honestly
People with addiction often have problems with lying, hiding things from others, and keeping secrets. Whether the person is lying to you about their drug or alcohol use or keeping a secret from you, it is important to express your concerns honestly. It is important to ensure there is openness in your relationship with the person you’re helping out.
● Tell The Person You Love Them
You should tell the person you love them, and you’re offering support. Whether you are the person who the person loves or someone you know loves the person, you should offer verbal support and love when the person is struggling with addiction. If the person you love is struggling with addiction, it is important to talk to them about it. They may need your support in learning to share their feelings with you.
● Check-In With The Person Every Once In A While
Occasionally, you should check in with your loved ones to ensure they are okay. It is important to talk to the person when they are doing okay, so you don’t overthink it and keep putting pressure on yourself. It is also important to check in when you think the person might be having a bad day, so you don’t overthink it too. You should also check in when you think the person might be facing problems at work.
● Stay Active Around The Person
You should try to keep your loved one’s addiction from getting in the way of their life. If you must miss an appointment or two because of your loved one’s addiction, you should tell the person you love that you will try to make it up as soon as you can. If you have a family emergency, such as a child’s illness or a significant emergency, you should ensure the person you love has a safe place to turn to when they need support.
● Offer To Drive The Person To and From Appointments
You should offer to drive the person to and from appointments when you can. Whether the visits to the doctor, dentist, or therapist are two hours or two days, parking is an issue for some people with addictions. You may not be able to drive the person to and from appointments, in which case you should make sure they can get themselves to and from appointments without your help. You can also help the person attend a quit drinking webinar.
● Let The Person Help Out Around The House
Letting the person help around the house makes them feel appreciated, hence, helps them forget about drugs. You should try to limit how much help you are offering around the house or if you already do everything around the house, you should consider stepping back and letting others take over some of the roles you used to fill.
Drug addiction is a global problem, and many people need help. There are various ways in which a person can offer support to a loved one with addiction problems. When someone you love is struggling with addiction, you should offer verbal support and help with tasks around the house and at work. You should check in with the person frequently and offer to help with tasks. You should also offer to drive the person to and from appointments when you can do so safely. In addition, you should stay active around the person, so they don’t feel too lonely or distant from you.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
