The image source is Pexels.
Seeing anyone go through addiction can be painful, but it is even worse when it’s family. Of course, the first thing on your mind is how you can help them. Supporting a family member while they go through detox isn’t always easy. However, by learning how to approach the situation, you can make it easier. Here are a few tips that should help.
Start by Identifying the Problem
Even serious addicts can’t improve until they’ve admitted there is a problem. Ask yourself, have they shown signs of wanting to get better? If so, then there’s a chance. Otherwise, you’ll have to convince them that they need help. Getting them to admit there is a problem could be the toughest part of the whole process. We’d suggest collecting evidence of how their behavior is affecting them. Hopefully, they’ll be sober for at least part of the day. When you see them then, talk about what you’ve seen. Chances are, they’ve been aware of the issue, but they haven’t wanted to talk. Don’t be too aggressive. Sometimes, that can scare someone. Instead, approach the subject with grace and compassion. Show them how much you care.
Get Them to Go Through a Detox
Now, once they’ve admitted there is an issue, it’s time for the next step. Detoxing from substances is a straightforward process, although it can be stressful. Before you do anything, figure out their substance of choice. For example, meth detox is going to differ from other detoxes. Regardless, the main goal at this point is to get them to the other side. When someone stops taking a substance, the body goes into withdrawal. Certain substances have much more severe withdrawals than others. Most of the time, you’ve just got to wait it out. However, in some instances, you may need to get them some medical support. Speak to a doctor, and ask them what they think. They’ll be able to give you some direction regarding your specific situation.
Communicate With Them Frequently
Nobody wants to suffer, let alone by themselves. Recovering from an addiction is as much a mental process as it is a physical one. Even after the body is recovered, the mind can still be in shambles. You won’t be able to fix them all by yourself, but you can support them. Ask them about their day, and respond to them positively. A lot of recovering addicts struggle with feelings of shame. If you aren’t encouraging, you might make them feel worse. Still, you can’t put their recovery on your shoulders. Getting better is a personal decision. As long as they’ve committed to recovery, there is hope. You could also send them resources on where to get professional support. Usually, these resources can help people who have failed to improve on their own.
Encourage Them to Continue Treatment Long-Term
Recovered addicts are always at risk of falling into old habits. This is called a relapse. Preventing relapses is all about identifying triggers, and learning to avoid them. Have your family member sit down with you to discuss what triggers them. After isolating their triggers, develop a game plan. If possible, get them to completely remove all of their triggers. Unfortunately, not all triggers are easy to avoid, though. What are they going to do if they encounter one? You could get them to call you. Simply having an action plan can help them stay on track. You could also ask them to continue therapy. Long-term treatment plans tend to have better outcomes than short-term interventions.
Find New Ways of Coping With Stress
For most addicts, their addiction is a way for them to handle stress. Obviously, they’ve developed some counter-productive stress responses. Removing all stress from their life isn’t going to be possible. But, you can help them learn new ways of coping with it. That way, the next time they’re feeling down, staying clean will be much easier.
Helping Someone Who Is Suffering From Addiction
Seeing one of your family members struggle with addiction is an eye-opening experience. Always treat them with love and respect. Seek out resources that will help them recover. With enough effort, anyone can get better.
