How do I talk to someone about my addiction?
· Step 5: Maintenance—“I Am With You”. When a person engages in residential or inpatient treatment, they may leave relationships and places of comfort. You may find that your loved one begins to reconsider their choice after starting a treatment program. If you can, stay in touch with your loved one as they receive care.
What are the best resources to learn about addiction?
Ways to Get in Contact With Us. Educate Yourself About Addiction. Offer Your Support. Follow Through on Consequences. Stop Enabling the Addiction. Consider an Intervention. Seek Help for Yourself. It’s hard to watch a loved one suffer from addiction, especially when they deny there’s a problem or refuse to get help.
How can I help someone with an addiction?
· A few options include: 3. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): CRAFT is an evidence-based method for helping families get help for addicted loved ones. It …
How can I help my teenage son get help for drug addiction?
· 5. Talk To Someone You Trust Greatly. Most people have someone in their life that they know they can talk to about anything. If you have this person, turn to them. Even if they …
What is the best way to cure someone who is addicted?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
What advice would you give to a person who are addicted?
Continue to hold them accountable to expectations and offer help to direct them to the treatment they need. Don't expect addicts to keep promises, they are not able to do so while in the process of their disease. Don't react with pity or anger. This only keeps you in the process with the addict.
What are three ways you can help someone who is addicted to drugs?
Treatment options Treatment for any co-occurring mental health problems. Counseling, whether it's individual, group, or family therapy—or a combination of all three—to tackle the root cause of the drug use and learn better ways of coping. Medication to help with withdrawal or treat any co-occurring disorders.
How do you talk to someone with a drug problem?
How to talk to someone about their drinking or drug useTry to find out more about alcohol or drugs first. ... Choose a good time and place to talk. ... Give yourself plenty of time to chat. ... Begin by explaining your concerns. ... Talk about specific times that you've been concerned. ... Listen carefully to what they're saying.More items...
What are 5 things you can say if someone offers you drugs?
In a firm voice, tell the person you don't want to drink or use drugs. Say something like: "No, I'm sorry, but I don't use...." "No, I'm really trying to stay clean."...Say something like:"It's bad for my health.""I could lose my housing.""I have trouble when I use...."
How do you know if someone is addicted?
Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming. Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy. Drastic changes in relationships. A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities.
What is the role of family in drug abuse?
It is the duty of the family members to convince their loved ones who have fallen victim to addiction to seek help from a counselor or take them to a de-addiction center. Statistics show that family dynamics invariably change whenever one member gets affected by addiction.
What are the possible solutions that can you do to control this drug issues?
Know your triggersavoiding places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available.surrounding yourself with friends who don't use drugs.knowing how to resist temptation.learning how to cope with stress and relax without drugs.distracting yourself with activities like exercise or listening to music.
What to say to encourage a recovering alcoholic?
8 Things to Say to Someone in RecoveryI Love You. ... You're Not Alone. ... Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... How Are You Feeling? ... How Can I Help? ... Let's Hang Out. ... I'm Proud of You. ... I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope.
What does love addiction look like?
Signs of Love Addiction Putting the romantic partner on a pedestal. Obsessing over romantic interest. Experiencing cravings, withdrawals, euphoria, and dependency on their partner. Needing to fall in love often.
How to help someone with addiction?
Educate Yourself About Addiction. Before you approach your loved one, take the time to educate yourself about addiction, detox , withdrawal, and various treatment options . The more you know, the better you’re able to approach the situation calmly and with confidence.
How to talk to your loved one about a mental health issue?
When you’re ready to sit down and speak with your loved one, avoid sounding condescending or judgmental. Instead, let them know that you’re aware of the problem and offer your support. Outline their options for treatment and encourage them to seek help.
Is it hard to recover from a mental illness?
The recovery process can be just as hard on you as it is on your loved one. Whether you convince them to seek treatment or not, it’s important for you to take care of your own mental health.
What to do if you can't convince your spouse to seek help?
If you’re not able to convince your loved one to seek help on your own, consider consulting with a professional intervention counselor before things get worse . If the person with the problem is your child or spouse, you may also have the option of seeking legal intervention.
What happens when you stop enabling behaviors?
Second, by refusing to continue your enabling behaviors you’ll make it harder for your loved one to keep feeding their addiction.
Can addiction be hard to watch?
It’s hard to watch a loved one suffer from addiction, especially when they deny there’s a problem or refuse to get help. Often, a well-intentioned friend or family member trying to force the situation can end up making it worse.
Can family members threaten to treat addicts?
Many friends or family members threaten to enforce serious consequences for addicted loved ones who refuse treatment. However, these are often seen as idle threats. If you’re going to make a real impact, you must actually follow through.
How can online therapy help with substance use?
5 Such programs often incorporate elements of CBT and motivational interviewing, which involves using structured conversations to help people think about how their life will improve by ending their addiction.
How to deal with someone who has an addiction?
It's important that you accept that what you are going through is difficult and seek support. You also need to develop stress management strategies, which is an important step in helping your loved one as well as yourself.
How to contact the SAMHSA?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
How does stress affect addiction?
Stress can make things worse. Your loved one likely uses their addictive behavior (at least partly) as a way to control stress. If the atmosphere between the two of you is stressful, they will want to do the addictive behavior more, not less. Trust goes both ways. Building trust is a two-way process.
What are some ways to undermine trust?
Yelling, name-calling, and exaggerating (even when you are stressed yourself). Engaging in addictive behaviors yourself, even in moderation (they will think you are a hypocrite). Trust is easily undermined, even when you are trying to help.
Why do people engage in addiction?
May engage in their addiction as a way to avoid dealing with another problem (such as mental illness)
What to do if someone doesn't want to change their behavior?
What you can do is take steps to help your loved one make changes in the long term. It's also important that you get the support you need to cope with a loved one who has an addiction.
How to help someone who is addicted to drugs?
Step 1: Learn about addiction and treatment. Step 2: Make an intervention plan. Step 3: Be objective and control emotions. Step 4: Avoid judgment. Step 5: Admit the individual to treatment immediately. Step 6: Remember self-care. When a person becomes concerned about a loved one’s drinking or drug use, it can be difficult to know what to do. ...
What are the options for treatment?
The options for treatment and when they are used: Inpatient care, outpatient treatment, aftercare, therapy, alternative treatments – each of these has a place, depending on the individual’s readiness for treatment, the degree of the abuse or addiction, and whether or not there is a high risk of relapse for the individual.
Can letting emotions get out of control during a conversation be counterproductive?
For example, if the family member or friend becomes angry and starts yelling, the loved one may also become angry and defensive. This can result in the person closing off any open-mindedness toward what the family and friends are saying.
What is the best source of information for a local health care provider?
State or municipal health and human services departments can be a good source of local information. Healthfinder.gov can help in locating the relevant department or service for each state or county. Working through a reputable, research-based treatment facility can also help point family and friends in the right direction.
What happens when you are concerned about a loved one's drinking?
When a person becomes concerned about a loved one’s drinking or drug use, it can be difficult to know what to do. Many scenarios regarding the confrontation may occur, inducing fear, reluctance, or indecision about the best ways to help the loved one get treatment through professional rehab. These hesitations can be cleared up with a few pieces ...
Can family help a loved one get treatment?
It can be challenging to help a loved one get treatment. However, by keeping all the above advice in mind, family and friends can be better prepared to confront their loved one, providing the needed love and support that can make recovery from addiction a true possibility.
Can someone who has never had an addiction have an addiction problem?
People who have never had an addiction problem may find it hard to understand why loved ones struggle with addiction. With all of the opinions and ideas about addiction that are presented throughout society, it can be easy to become judgmental of the person who is struggling with addiction and dismissive of the issues that may have led to the problems with drugs and alcohol.
How to help someone with addiction?
If you have this person, turn to them. Even if they have no personal experience with addiction, they are a listening ear and can help you make sense of what is going on.
How to ask for help?
If you find yourself in the same position, these are a few ways you can ask for help. 1. Write a letter or an email. Though not the case for everyone, writing is sometimes easier than speaking, especially when it comes to asking for help. There is something about writing that allows you to collect your thoughts and organize them in a way ...
Who has better advice than someone who has been through a struggle similar to yours?
There is no one who has better advice than someone who has been through a struggle similar to yours and has come out the other side. These people are often more than willing to talk to you and try to understand your position. They likely remember what it was like to be where you are and will do what they can to ease your fears. You can ask them what worked for them and try to determine whether the same course of action would work well for you.
Can someone with addiction ask for help?
There is comfort in knowing you have someone on your side and someone who will be there through the hard parts of life. Not everyone struggling with addiction will be able to ask for help because the truth is that sometimes it is just too hard. The good news is that even if you can’t seek out help, help sometimes still finds its way to you.
How to help someone with addiction?
When someone is in the grip of addiction, their clarity quickly withers away. Suggest or schedule a routine check-up appointment. Inform the doctor of the addiction prior to the visit, and do so for multiple reasons. They’ll be better able to identify the issues and see past the excuses of the individual. Doctors will still protect doctor-patient confidentiality, but in their medical and professional opinions, they can also recommend courses of action to take, which can be very eye-opening for the person. In some cases, it has been proven to help them think clearly when someone outside of their social or family circle is able to recognize issues. Before they are too far gone, it’s a wake-up call.
When all else fails, don't use guilt?
When All Else Fails, Don’t Use Guilt. It’s very easy to mix up the thought of an ultimatum, and lecturing or guilting an addicted individual into ceasing their vice usage. Under no circumstances should you attempt to guilt them into quitting their addiction.
What is intervention therapy?
Interventions are designed to will the addict into becoming a patient; nobody who is forced to will heal on their own. Even if it comes with some pushing, an addict has to walk into that rehab via willpower. When it comes down to it, there are no surefire ways to reach the person that’s hiding inside.
How does intervention help a family?
It may take time to heal emotionally, but the risks and rewards of an intervention are absolutely necessary to draw the line in the sand. Interventions deliver ultimatums and allow the family to express their concerns and their emotional pain in a constructive manner.
Can you guilt someone into quitting their addiction?
It’s very easy to mix up the thought of an ultimatum, and lecturing or guilting an addicted individual into ceasing their vice usage. Under no circumstances should you attempt to guilt them into quitting their addiction. Phrases like “How could you do this to me,” or anything that will garner guilt and/or shame from the individual is a surefire no-go.
How to not be judgmental?
Without stating the obvious, let the person know that you are there for them no matter what. It’s very easy to have a conversation with someone, and keep the subject matter silent, while both of you know what’s going on. By avoiding bringing it up in direct words or unveiling anger, you’re showing them that you’re not being judgmental, that you just want to help.
Can doctors protect patients from addiction?
They’ll be better able to identify the issues and see past the excuses of the addict. Doctors will still protect doctor-patient confidentiality, but in their medical and professional opinions, they can also recommend courses of action to take, which can be very eye-opening for the addict.
Why do people with substance use disorders fear judgement?
People with substance use disorders fear the judgment of society, friends and loved ones because addiction has become stigmatized. A 2014 Johns Hopkins study found Americans are more likely to have negative opinions of people with substance use disorders than other mental illnesses.
Why are people reluctant to seek treatment for substance abuse?
People may be reluctant to seek addiction treatment because of high treatment costs and low accessibility, denial of their substance use disorder, societal stigma and time constraints. The vast majority of people who need treatment for substance use disorders do not seek it.
Why did people not seek help in 2014?
According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the most common reasons people who needed treatment did not seek help from 2011 to 2014 were: 39 percent could not afford it or did not have health insurance. 29 percent were not ready to stop using drugs.
Who is Mark in Recovery?
Mark, a student in recovery, explains the role of motivation in the decision to seek addiction treatment.
Is the demand for drug rehab growing faster than the industry?
Unfortunately, the demand for treatment is growing faster than the rehab industry . In rural areas, individuals with substance use disorders must often travel great distances to find a drug and alcohol rehab facility. In urban areas, many facilities have long waiting lists.
How long does it take to recover from addiction?
The more time and dedication a person devotes to getting better, the less likely a relapse. But most people battling addiction don’t want to take a 90-day break from their lives to attend rehab. More than three-quarters of people with substance use disorders possess jobs.
Why do people avoid treatment for drug addiction?
In a 2004 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, injection drug users claimed that wanting to conceal their addiction from a spouse was the most common reason they avoided treatment.
Why don't people get treatment for substance abuse?
Many People Don’t Get Substance Abuse Treatment Because They Want To Keep Their Job. If you have a substance abuse problem, it’s completely normal for you to want to keep this information from your employer. Most people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol believe that having a problem with addiction will result in immediate termination.
What is the ADA?
According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Association (SAMSHA), “the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is perhaps the most important federal civil rights legislation that affects employers when developing and implementing drug-free workplace policies.
What is FMLA for substance abuse?
Most people who have a substance abuse problem are not familiar with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides time off to someone who wants to get help for a substance abuse problem. FMLA applies to all public agencies and private employers that have more than fifty employees.
What happens if you tell your employer you have a drug problem?
What this means is that if you tell your employer that you have a problem with illegal drugs – and they have a zero-tolerance drug use policy – you could be fired. Generally, this means that someone with an alcohol addiction should be guaranteed with provisions that allow them to get treatment and keep their job.
Can an employer fire someone for a history of substance use?
Employers cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote someone simply because she or he has a history of substance use. Employers also cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees because they are enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.
Does the ADA prohibit employers from having a drug free workplace policy?
Furthermore, “The ADA does not , in any way, prohibit employers from having a drug-free workplace policy, nor does it provide any special protection to individuals who are currently using illegal drugs. However, it does make it illegal for employers to discriminate against recovering alcoholics and drug users who have already sought treatment for their addiction.”
Can you be fired for addiction?
In most cases, you cannot be fired for admitting that you have a problem with addiction. Depending on the circumstance, your disease may be protected under the law. If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol and you want to get treatment, you should know that you do have options. You can go to rehab and keep your job.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the role of boundaries in addiction?
Creating boundaries is crucial when dealing with an addict. It can be easy to feel responsible for keeping them clean and safe, but that’s not your job. If you want to help someone, your job is to provide appropriate loving support. It is not your duty to overextend yourself for their sake.
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.
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.