How can a loved one help me recover from drug addiction?
The truth of the matter is that recovery from drug addiction is usually a long and complicated journey. With the support of a loved one, it can become that much easier to begin the journey and see it through to the end. If you don’t have much experience with drug or alcohol addiction, the whole situation can quickly feel overwhelming.
How can I help my loved one get help?
Starting a conversation could be the turning point that spurs your loved one to get help. Hear stories that you can relate to. Cheryl talks about helping her partner seek treatment after he developed a problem with opioids. Discover Tom's story about his dependence on painkillers, how it took over his life, and how treatment helped.
What to do when an alcoholic refuses to go to treatment?
10 Steps to Take if an Alcoholic or Addict Refuses Treatment 1 Intervention. 2 Analyze Where You Are. 3 Positively Encourage Them. 4 When All Else Fails, Don’t Use Guilt. 5 Offer Support. 6 ... (more items)
Why do family members become distant when a loved one is addicted?
Family members can also become distant if they’re tired of fighting with their loved one. They may blame themselves when the addiction persists or blame the addicted person for their unhappiness.
How do you help someone who doesn't want to be helped?
Here are a few things to consider when working with your loved one who doesn't want help:Listen and validate. If your relationship is iffy, it doesn't hurt to just listen. ... Ask questions. ... Resist the urge to fix or give advice. ... Explore options together. ... Take care of yourself and find your own support.
What are five things you can do to show someone support?
125 ways to show moral supportTake something off of their plate. ... Be there in person. ... Be present. ... Show active listening. ... Refrain from “reading the other person's mind” ... Let them know that failure is OK. ... Help find exceptions to their struggles. ... Ask for what they need in the moment.More items...•
How do you help someone with psychosis who doesn't want help?
What emotional support can I offer?Listen. Simply giving someone space to talk, and listening to how they're feeling, can be really helpful in itself. ... Offer reassurance. Seeking help can feel lonely, and sometimes scary. ... Stay calm. ... Be patient. ... Try not to make assumptions. ... Keep social contact.
How do you talk to someone with hypochondria?
Don't dwell on illness. Encourage them to verbalize fears about their health, but don't join in. Be supportive, but don't show too much concern and try to stay neutral in your answers. Express that you understand their struggle, without encouraging their obsessive thoughts.
How do you help someone who doesn't want to talk?
The simple answer is you can't MAKE someone talk about an issue if they don't want to. You also can't MAKE them listen to or hear what's being said....What to do when someone doesn't want to talkConsider the timing. ... Give them the why. ... What's in it for me? ... Manage your emotions. ... Empathise. ... Outline the next steps.
How do you get someone to talk to you about their problems?
How to get someone to open up:Consistency is key.Practice active listening.Ask questions...but not too many.Demonstrate sharing and self-disclosure.Lean on nonverbals.Let them know you value your relationship and ask what they need to feel safe.Acknowledge your own desires.
What can you do if someone with a serious mental illness refuses treatment?
The most effective of these options are assisted outpatient treatment (AOT); conditional release; and mental health courts.
How do you convince someone to go to therapy?
Approach the conversation with care and concern, not judgment. When you broach the topic of therapy, begin by expressing that you want to help because you care about the other person. Ask questions and listen to the person's answers carefully and patiently. Listen for ways that therapy could address specific concerns.
What should you not say when someone is psychotic?
General guidelines for how to help someone with psychosis:Avoid criticizing or blaming the person for their psychosis or the actions related to their psychosis.Avoid denying or arguing with them about their reality “That doesn't make any sense! ... Don't take what they say personally. ... Do not directly confront them.More items...•
What should you not say to a hypochondriac?
What should you not say to someone with anxiety?"You're an anxious person" "No one wants to be labeled for something that causes them immense stress and pain. ... "Why would you be anxious about that?" "This response implies that they should not be anxious and their response is unjustified. ... "Just don't think about it"
How do you fight a hypochondriac?
Hypochondriac Treatment Self-help for hypochondria can include: Learning stress management and relaxation techniques. Avoiding online searches for the possible meanings behind your symptoms. Focusing on outside activities such as a hobby you enjoy or volunteer work you feel passionate about.
What causes a person to become a hypochondriac?
The exact cause of hypochondriasis is not known. Some of the causes include: Disturbance in perception such that normal sensations are magnified. Having learned apparent benefits of being sick, such as receiving attention.
What to do if your loved one is not ready to enter rehab?
Rehabilitation treatment center: Even if your loved one is not ready to enter rehab, you can still reach out to a treatment center such as Gateway to speak with a compassionate member of our team. We can give you more information about our evidence-based approach so you can feel prepared when the time comes for your loved one to seek treatment.
How to help someone with substance use disorder?
Medical support: Suggest a routine check-up with their general practitioner. Let the doctor know ahead of time you suspect a substance use disorder. Your loved one may feel more open to discussing their problems with a medical professional since they are protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. Their physician can educate them about the consequences of their lifestyle and offer a course of action. Sometimes speaking with someone outside their family circle will be the wake-up call they need.
What is follow through with interventions?
Follow-through: Most interventions involve promises or consequences if your loved one refuses treatment. While these may stir up anger, consequences protect you and remove enabling behaviors you may have participated in. Once you’ve stated these consequences, it’s important to follow through with them, so your loved one knows you are serious.
What to do if you tried an intervention and it failed?
Stage another intervention: If you’ve tried an intervention once, and it failed, you may want to give up on this course of action. However, after a certain amount of time, your loved one may feel more open to listening to your concerns. So, brainstorm about what went wrong the first time, and make a new intervention plan.
What to do before a second intervention?
Professional interventionist: Before jumping into a second intervention, you may want to enlist the help of a professional interventionist. These trained experts can provide the assistance you need to keep the meeting on point with suggestions that may lead your loved one to enter treatment.
Can you force someone into rehab?
You also cannot force someone into rehab. An addict who refuses treatment must decide they want to recover to take the next step toward successful addiction treatment.
Is addiction recovery a journey?
Addiction recovery is a journey, and every journey begins differently. If your loved one is an alcoholic or addict, you know recovery treatment is their best shot at a fuller, happier life. Unfortunately, some addicts refuse treatment when confronted, even by those they love most. If someone you care for isn’t ready to admit they need help with their substance abuse, you may feel discouraged or even lose hope. However, this isn’t the end of their story.
How to talk to your loved ones about your concerns?
The best thing you can do in these situations is listen — asking guiding questions to keep the conversation going when necessary, but also really allowing your loved ones to talk about what’s going on in their lives . Opening up the channels of communication may help your loved ones feel less alone and start working toward acknowledging that they have a problem.
What to do if a therapist recommends a change in your loved one's treatment?
If a therapist or counselor recommends a change in your loved one’s treatment, social habits, exercise routine, or other activities to help cope with their addiction, be sure to support your loved one in making this change.
How to help someone with addiction?
How to help a loved one with addiction: Seek professional help . Contact a local addiction or mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, or meet with your family doctor. Your doctor may have experience treating people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or be able to refer patients to someone who does.
What to do when you don't stop using drugs?
Telling loved ones that you’re going to kick them out of the house or take away their children if they don’t stop using drugs or alcohol will only push them further away and could even lead them to make a negative, rash decision.
How to avoid guilt trip?
Guilt-trip. Avoid making statements that place blame on the person you’re concerned about, such as: “You’re ruining your life,” “Your drinking hurts me,” or “Think about your family.” These kinds of comments minimize the feelings your loved ones just shared with you and can make them feel that you don’t care.
What to do when someone is talking about their life?
The best thing you can do in these situations is listen — asking guiding questions to keep the conversation going when necessary, but also really allowing your loved ones to talk about what’s going on in their lives.
Can you force someone to stop drinking?
Force. You can’t make those with an addiction stop drinking or taking drugs, but you can provide the support and encouragement necessary to help them consider going to rehab or getting treatment.
How to help a family member cope with addiction?
You can help a family member cope with addiction by understanding the condition and going to family therapy.
What to do when you are recovering?
Managing expectations is a little easier when individuals are responsible for their own bliss. That means every member of a recovering family needs to take time to do something that’s relaxing and fulfilling. This could include: 1 Playing an instrument 2 Taking nature photographs 3 Volunteering with animals 4 Playing with children 5 Gardening 6 Cooking 7 Crafting
What is the role of family in addiction?
Families play a large role in the recovery process, so it is important for spouses, siblings, parents, children, friends and others to understand how to help.
What are some resources that can help families learn about addiction?
There are many online resources that can help families learn about addiction. Most bookstores also offer a wide selection of books about the chemistry of addiction and the science behind addiction treatment.
Why do family members become distant?
Family members can also become distant if they’re tired of fighting with their loved one. They may blame themselves when the addiction persists or blame the addicted person for their unhappiness. These silences and blame games can hold a family back from getting help.
How can education help with addiction?
Education can help families escape the blame game. Rather than believing that the person’s addiction stems from weakness, willfulness or stubbornness, it might be helpful to understand how it actually stems from changes within the brain.
Why is it important to manage expectations for yourself and other family members?
It’s also important to manage expectations for yourself and other family members. It takes time and effort for relationships to heal. Families in early recovery may make mistakes and they may not be their ideal selves, but they can still enjoy their time together and actively support one another. Even if things aren’t “perfect,” they can still be more meaningful as you work together towards a drug-free life.
How to talk to someone who is hurting you?
Instead of using statements or phrases such as, “You will get help because you are hurting me,” try to use empathetic statements: 1 Ask open-ended questions. Don’t make statements that do not allow for any input from the other person, but rather give your loved one the opportunity to speak freely about his or her experiences, concerns, fears, etc. 2 Keep the conversation general. Do not try to glean specific answers through detailed questions. 3 Avoid the temptation to criticize. Try not to tell them what they are doing wrong but rather seek to understand how they feel. 4 Show concern. The main goal is to have the other person know that you love them, you support them, and you are worried about how their addiction affects you and them, as well.
What does "enabling" mean in substance abuse?
Enabling can be anything that aids a person to continue the abuse of a substance and accept none of the responsibility for his or her actions.
Can you ask someone to change their substance abuse?
You cannot ask someone with substance dependency issues to make changes without any information of your own. The information is not for you to lecture them but rather for you to better understand the situation.
What is the first survival tip for loving an addicted person?
Whatever your particular situation is, acceptance of what you are dealing with in your life is the first survival tip for loving an addicted person.
How to help an addict?
When you try to “help” addicts by giving them money, allowing them to stay in your home, buying food for them on a regular basis, driving them places or going back on the healthy boundaries you have already set with them , you are actually engaging in “ rescuing” behaviors that are not really helpful.
What is the term for unhealthy helping?
Another term for this kind of unhealthy helping is “enabling.”. When you can be as truthful as possible with yourself about your own enabling behaviors, you can begin to make different choices. This will lead to healthier changes in your addicted loved one as well.
What is the least favorite word for an addict to hear?
It has been said that the least favorite word for an addict to hear is “No.”. When addicts are not ready to change, they become master manipulators in order to keep the addiction going. Their fear of stopping is so great that they will do just about anything to keep from having to be honest with themselves.
How to keep yourself healthy while caring for an addict?
Another way to keep yourself healthy while caring about an addicted person is to make sure you are looking after your own life and keeping a good balance with such things as work or volunteering, supportive friendships, fitness and good nutrition, and time for the fun activities that you enjoy.
How to survive when you are addicted to a drug?
1. Come face-to-face with reality. Learning how to deal with reality is the most important first step in “surviving” when you love an addicted person. Although it may seem easier to stay in the “fantasy space” where you can continue to believe that things are going to magically get better, there is no such magic.
Why is it important to rebuild your life?
Rebuilding your life so that you feel a greater sense of happiness and self-fulfillment is your most important over-all responsibility. Enjoy!
What to do when someone you love has a substance abuse problem?
Do you feel as if someone you love has a substance abuse problem or is dealing with an addiction? The best thing you can do for them is to support them, remain present, and encourage them to get professional addiction treatment.
What to avoid when talking to someone about drug abuse?
When you are speaking with and supporting your loved one through drug abuse treatment, try to avoid the following: Emotional Appeals.
How to help someone with drug addiction?
When you’re inexperienced with drug addiction, it can be easy to base assumptions on what you see in the behavior of your loved one. By educating yourself on the addiction itself as well as the symptoms and causes, you’ll be better equipped to recognize it before you and truly understand it.
Why do addicts make excuses?
It’s common for an addict to create excuses to justify their behavior. You mustn’t accept these excuses, as it can enable the addiction. Enabling the Behavior. Covering up the problem from other loved ones or giving them money to help will only hurt your loved one more.
Can you kick an addiction?
For an addict, deciding to get help and kick the addiction is no easy feat. Luckily, studies have shown that with the additional love and support of someone close to the addict, their chances of recovery are much higher.
Can you support someone with substance abuse?
While supporting your special someone through substance abuse is by no means an easy feat, it’s a crucial part of the process and can increase their odds of full recovery. If you need expert drug addiction support for your loved one, contact an expert at Addiction VA today.
Can addicts really care about their family?
Often, addicts can’t truly grasp how much their family members and friends care about them and love them. Even though it may be evident to you, the drugs can skew their perspective or create distance between them and those they love.
What to do when visiting a friend with cancer?
When visiting a friend with cancer, one of the most meaningful things you can do is simply listen, say social workers at MSK.
How to keep friends updated on cancer?
Many people with cancer find that keeping friends and family updated on their latest status can be taxing at times. Cammarata recommends setting up a phone team , so that only one person in your circle of friends reaches out and then provides updates to the rest of the group. This person can also let everyone else know if the mutual friend wants more phone calls or would prefer time to be alone.
What to say to a friend who is not sure how long to stay?
If you’re not sure how long to stay, she says, just ask: “I can stay longer. Or do you want me to leave and come back another time?”
How to help a child in the hospital?
You can offer to help by babysitting the kids for a night or driving them to soccer practice. Or perhaps helping out just means sitting in the hospital room while the caregiver steps out for a cup of coffee.
What are the resources that people with cancer need?
In addition, you may be interested in checking out a few financial assistance resources for people with cancer who need help paying for things like housing, utilities, food, transportation to medical treatment, home health care, medical devices, and pharmaceutical agents.
Why is cancer so challenging?
It is still very challenging because all cancer patients are different, not only different diseases, but everyone comes with their own personalities and coping styles. Some want to reach out and some want to withdraw. Some want support and others don't or sometimes they want it and sometimes they don't.
Can you call someone who is sick?
“Give your friend permission to say no to a visit, and be flexible and understanding that someone who is sick may call and cancel at the last minute.” If you reach out but your friend doesn’ t return your phone call or email, don’t take it personally.
How to deal with rejection?
Face your fear. Avoid negative self-talk. Lean on your network. Ask for help. Takeaway. Share on Pinterest. Rejection hurts. There’s really no way around it. Most people want to belong and connect with others, especially people they care about.
What to say when you are rejected?
You might say things like, “I knew I’d mess that up,” “I didn’t prepare enough,” “I talked too much,” or “I’m so boring.”
Why is rejection scary?
Rejection can be particularly frightening when you read too much into it. If you’ve had a few dates with someone who suddenly stops texting back, for example, you might worry you bored them or they didn’t find you attractive enough. But rejection is often simply a case of needs not matching up.
Why is spending time with people important?
Spending time with people who care about you can reinforce your knowledge that you are, in fact, wanted.
How does positive thinking help you?
Positive thinking doesn’t always make situations turn out a certain way, but it can help improve your perspective. When you encourage and support yourself, you’re more likely to believe in your own potential to achieve your goals.
Is rejection a case of needs not matching up?
But rejection is often simply a case of needs not matching up.
Can fear of rejection hold you back?
But fearing rejection can hold you back from taking risks and reaching for big goals. Fortunately, it’s absolutely possible to work through this mind-set with a bit of work. Here are some tips to get you started.