Home WellnessDrugs 7 Tips for Helping Someone Overcome Drug Addiction

7 Tips for Helping Someone Overcome Drug Addiction

by Kathrin Garner

Drug addiction is a common problem across the globe. The effects of drug addiction extend to every aspect of a person’s life and its consequences are felt in their relationships and everything they do. Although a serious problem, drug addiction is beatable. The vital role in the whole process of treating addiction belongs to the support system of an affected person. Family, friends, and partners are crucial for the successful outcome. Drug addiction has a huge impact on a person’s mental health so having someone to relying on is a big part of getting sober. If your loved one, friend, or family member has problems with drug addiction, then these seven tips will teach you how to help them.

1.     Have realistic expectations

One of the most common mistakes that people repeat is that they have unrealistic expectations regarding the process of drug addiction treatment. A strong support system is crucial, but it won’t make the problem magically disappear overnight. You need to expect that some difficulties may arise even resistance and possibly relapse. When helping someone overcome drug addiction it’s safe to expect successful recovery and rehabilitation, but you do need to bear in mind there will be a few bumps on the road.

2.     Learn more about addiction

Since drug addiction is common people usually think they know everything about it. But you can’t know everything, especially if this is not something you or anyone you know have dealt with before. To truly help and support someone overcome the addiction you need to learn as much as you can about this problem. Get educated about addiction and how it works to try and understand the loved one. Find information on how addiction affects relationships, things you can do, help you can get, and offer to someone. Remember, knowledge is power. You can also join support groups where people whose loved ones struggle with addiction support each other, offer guidance, talk about their experience, and so much more. The more you know, the more equipped you’ll be to support your loved one. For example, you can also learn about the benefits of marijuana cleanse which you can explore here.

3.     Avoid enabling their behavior

Setting boundaries to someone you love can be difficult due to fear they will resent you. That’s why family and friends may sometimes enable risky behavior because they love someone too much to say no, but at the same time they suffer and want their friend or family member to get better. A strong support system requires complete honesty about your needs, boundaries, and feelings. Be completely honest about expectations and hopes as well. You also need to understand is that the only for that person to get better is for you to stop sheltering them from the consequences. Set strict boundaries and limits and avoid enabling risky and dangerous behaviors because it would delay their recovery.

4.     Keep in mind that’s still the person you love

Watching someone deal with addiction is not the easiest thing in the world and it may seem like the person you know and love is not there anymore. Addiction can change people, but deep down it’s still the same person you know and cherish, they just need your help to get better. Remember, they may not be in complete control of their actions and words. While the loss of that control may offend you, try not to take it personally. Always keep in mind it’s the addiction that induced those words or actions, not their true feelings and thoughts.

5.     Don’t blame and shame

One of the most ineffective ways of supporting someone to overcome drug addiction is to play blame and shame game. This type of behavior is detrimental to their mental health and can only aggravate the problem. Addiction is a disease whose causes vary from one person to another. Don’t blame them and claim it was just something they wanted to do.

6.     Contact a professional interventionist

Drug addiction is a serious problem and although it’s someone you know and love, you shouldn’t do it alone. Never underestimate the importance and benefits of consulting a professional interventionist who will help you set the loved one on the path to recovery.

7.     Take supportive actions

Take supportive actions as soon as you identify the signs of the problem, don’t wait. It may not go smoothly, but it’s necessary. Keep in mind the recovery is all about prioritizing the person’s Personal Development, not your goals and wishes for them. You still need to respect their privacy and inform them about everything they can expect. Be there for them and show you still trust them, but set limits. Support comes in many ways.

Conclusion

Supporting loved ones to overcome drug addiction is a bumpy road that leads to the desired destination with a lot of effort and hard work. Be there for your loved one and they’ll appreciate it. Overcoming addiction is achievable with a strong support system.

You may also like