Addiction is a huge challenge. The mental illness starts small and, over time, takes over the entirety of the victim’s life. Most addicts start substance abuse in small doses. Their bodies soon build a tolerance to the usual dose, thus causing victims to increase usage. With each use of the abused substance, the brain is rewired to think it can’t function properly without the abused substance. Addiction victims soon become dependent on the abused substance and may be unable to function properly without it. When a loved one has started demonstrating the common signs of addiction, whether to alcohol or drugs, consider finding a rehab drugs and alcohol facility for them.
However, help and support for addiction victims do not stop there. Addiction victims need a friendly and welcoming environment that can nurture them and help them to build resistance against relapse. If you have a loved one battling addiction and are in therapy, below are some ways, you can support them.
Get Education
Addiction is a complex issue that affects the victim’s mental, physical, financial, emotional, and social life. Many friends and family of addiction victims do not understand the true depth of the problem and how hard it can be for victims to withdraw. The first step in providing support is to get an education on the topic. Learning more about addiction and its effects can help you better understand what addiction victims go through and how you can help.
With education comes the responsibility of helping them to find the right addiction treatment facility. A simple online search will provide a wide range of information on addiction, addiction treatment, treatment centers, and how you can be more helpful to victims.
Get Support
Having learned more about addiction and its dangers, you can use the information to help your loved ones to find the right treatment. Finding the right treatment can be a hassle sometimes. However, the first step is to understand what your loved one is addicted to and look for treatment facilities that offer specific addiction treatments for the problem. You also have to decide whether to enroll your loved one in an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program.
Get Counseling
Dealing with an addiction victim can be a harrowing experience. A good way to better manage the situation and associated stress are to seek counseling. Doing this will equip you with more information on coping with the addiction victim and how to help them remain sober. If you are enrolled in a joint counseling session with the addiction patient, this can also give them an air of safety and extra support to open up and let go.
Seek Specialty Help When Needed
In some cases, general help may not be enough to address addiction and related issues. You may need to look out for specialty addiction treatment facilities and experts. In addition to this, you may also need special help dealing with the legal and financial issues associated with addiction and addiction treatment. You may need to speak to an attorney to understand the extent of your roles in the treatment decisions administered to your loved one. If you can’t afford expensive addiction treatment programs, seek help from non-profit organizations, churches, and addiction-focused counseling groups.
Do Not Engage or Enable your Loved One
There is a huge chance that you may feel driven by compassion to the extent of offering the abused substance to your loved one. This is often common when family and friends are unable to withstand the pressure of withdrawal symptoms. You should know that reintroducing the abused substance will only sink the addict lower in times like this. It is best to ensure that the addiction victim is properly detoxed to begin their journey to sobriety and recovery. Please note that all treatments must be delivered by licensed, experienced, and certified addiction treatment specialists.
Nurse Realistic Expectations
It is okay for you to think that your loved one will fully recover. However, you should know that addiction treatment isn’t often an open and shut case. In some cases, addiction victims may suffer a relapse which can cause them to start treatment again from ground zero. It is best to speak to your loved one’s treatment professional to follow up on their progress while getting tips on how to help the recovering addict live a simple, healthy, and drug-free life.
