Nearly half of U.S. adults reported having a family member or close friend struggling with substance abuse. While it can be challenging to support someone in this situation, knowing ways to help without enabling addiction is crucial.
Addiction is a complex issue that affects the individual and their loved ones. By understanding the right course of action, you can play a significant role in guiding them on their journey towards recovery.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction, also known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic mental health condition characterised by excessive and compulsive drug or alcohol use despite its negative consequences.
A typical stigma around active addiction is that individuals can easily overcome it by simply stopping – or choosing to stop. In reality, it takes much more than that. Addiction alters how the brain works, making it difficult for individuals to quit, even if they want to. The interaction between genetics and environmental factors, such as economic status, peer pressure, family support, or adverse experiences, also influences its progression.
Although relapse is common in addiction, achieving long-term sobriety is still very much possible. A study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that more than 27 million adults have a substance use problem, and of those, 7 out of 10 have recovered or are currently in recovery.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of overcoming addiction, including self-awareness, reaching out for support, and undergoing addiction treatment. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of addiction, help is available.
Effective Ways to Support a Loved One Struggling with Addiction
Educate Yourself
Learning more about alcohol or drug addiction – its symptoms, causes, and treatment – is a valuable step in supporting a loved one. Understanding the true nature of addiction, how it affects a person’s life, and why treatment is necessary can foster a nonjudgemental approach and raise awareness.
Be Patient and Understanding
Emotional support is one of the most important ways to support your loved one. Listen actively and reassure them they are not alone in their struggles. Never invalidate or criticise a person in recovery. While it’s normal to feel frustrated with your loved one, you have to remember that addiction is a challenging condition to manage, and lashing out or nagging will do no good. The best support you can offer is patience, genuine care, and deep empathy for what they’re going through.
Create A Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in healing the damage that addiction has caused. Guide your loved one in establishing and maintaining a consistent, structured daily routine that includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These practices can help restore physical health and enhance overall well-being.
Build a Strong Support Network
People struggling with addiction often isolate themselves due to fear, guilt, and shame. Whether it is family members or friends, having a strong support system and knowing someone is there for you can make all the difference. You can encourage your loved one to talk to someone they trust or to join support groups to feel included. Continued support from the people around them can foster strength and resilience, essential in your loved one’s recovery.
Support Without Enabling
Approach your loved one with a firm but compassionate stance. While your intentions may be good, enabling your loved one, such as giving money to fund their habits or tolerating and covering up inappropriate behaviour, can only have a negative impact. Hold them accountable for their actions to cultivate responsible decision-making while still showing support and love.
Practice Self-Care
Caring for a loved one with addiction can be both physically and mentally demanding. It is important to set healthy boundaries and recognise that you, too, can seek help if necessary. Make self-care a habit, adopt healthy coping strategies, and avoid using drugs or alcohol yourself, as this can hinder your ability to provide support.
Seek Professional Help
Encourage your loved one to seek treatment by explaining that seeking help from mental health professionals can be a big step in recovering from an addiction. There are professionals specialising in addiction and recovery who can provide the necessary tools and support for your loved one to overcome substance dependency. Researching available treatment options and discussing them together can encourage your loved one to seek the help they need.
Treatment Options Helpful in Reducing the Risk of Relapse
The journey to recovery from addiction can take many different paths. Sometimes, supporting someone in your way alone is not enough for their long-term recovery – especially when addiction will likely lead to relapse without proper intervention. Fortunately, many evidence-based treatments are available to help people recover and regain control of their lives.
Detox
Detoxification is a critical part of addiction recovery. It involves cleansing the body of toxins, such as drugs and alcohol and is typically carried out at rehabilitation centres or outpatient programmes. A medically supervised detox is the best choice to ensure the utmost safety, successfully manage withdrawal symptoms and minimise complications.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognised as an effective treatment for various mental health problems. It helps individuals gain more control of their thoughts by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more rational and constructive ways of thinking.
Both individual and group therapy are proven to help manage symptoms of addiction and improve overall quality of life. While one-on-one sessions provide a more personalised approach, group sessions offer community support, essential in an individual’s recovery journey. Participating in family therapy can also be beneficial in addressing underlying issues within the household and resolving conflicts among family members.
Choosing which therapy is fitting depends on personal preferences, specific needs, and therapeutic goals. Discussing your options with a mental health provider can help you choose the best approach for a smoother recovery process.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treats both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously rather than separately. This integrated approach ensures that all aspects are considered for smoother recovery. Common comorbid disorders include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers a structured environment with round-the-clock monitoring and extensive support. It combines different evidence-based modalities personalised to your specific needs. An inpatient care facility is ideal for those with moderate to severe addiction due to risky withdrawal symptoms and a higher chance of relapse.
Intensive Outpatient Programme
An intensive outpatient programme is best for individuals with mild dependency or for those who prefer to stay at home while receiving recovery support. This flexible approach provides comprehensive care and support while allowing individuals to maintain personal responsibilities and daily routines.
Holistic Treatment
Equine therapy is a unique and effective holistic treatment for addiction. During sessions, individuals bond with horses, allowing the animals to play a significant role in addiction recovery. No prior experience or skills with horses are required, as the therapy involves activities like herding, leading, and grooming, all aimed at enhancing mental well-being. In addition to equine therapy, other holistic approaches include yoga, art therapy, mindfulness, and meditation.
Help Your Loved One Overcome Addiction
If you or someone you love is battling addiction, there are people ready to help you get better. At Sierra Recovery, a dedicated team will provide you with world-class addiction and mental health treatment designed to support long-term recovery. You don’t have to go through it alone. Healing begins the moment you reach out for help.
