Addiction can wreck lives and tear apart families. If your loved one is struggling with addiction you may feel at your wit’s end. Just like any other disease, addiction impacts not only your loved one but all of you in their orbit.
Your loved one struggling with addiction may not even agree they have a problem. Or they may know they have an issue but are unable to maintain sobriety.
Also Read: 5 Signs a Loved One Is Struggling With Drug Addiction
Instead of feeling isolated or helpless, there are things you can do to help. Keep reading for a few useful tips for helping your loved one.
What Does Struggling With Addiction Look Like?
You’ll notice these behaviors if your loved one is grappling with substance abuse. They may not have all of these issues, but if you see a pattern, it may be time to admit they need help.
Negative behaviors could range from lack of control when it comes to how much they use a substance. They may be trying to cut back on substance use but are unable to stop. Or you may notice they are using a substance despite the negative impacts it has on their life.
If they have intense cravings for the substance this is a red flag as well. The same goes for negative consequences such as job loss or conflict.
If they are giving up on activities and relationships to use substances, they may have a problem. Lastly, if they develop tolerance and need more of the substance when using, that is an issue.
These are just some of the warning signs of addiction. If your loved one has these issues, you may feel helpless and unsure what to do.
By acknowledging the above issues, you’ve already taken a step in the right direction. Admitting there is a problem is vital to future recovery.
Support Them in Their Fight
You can be there for your loved ones by creating a space where you do not shame them for their addiction. Treat them with compassion and care.
Addiction is a disease. You would not shame your loved one for having cancer or diabetes.
Unconditional Love Does Not Equal Enabling
Not shaming your loved ones for their addiction does not mean you are a doormat. You don’t need to tolerate unhealthy behaviors. One of the hardest parts of seeing your loved ones struggle is how they can impact you.
They may behave selfishly, steal, beg and demand when they are in the depth of their addiction. You will want to learn to set healthy boundaries. Look into support groups such as Al-Anon.
You can help your loved ones without encouraging their unhealthy choices and behaviors. Loving them doesn’t mean you should accept mistreatment.
Bring In Outside Help
Seek outside help for your loved one. Treatment centers will have options that are both in-person and digital.
They’ll learn more about your concerns, and come up with a recovery plan together. Learn more about it here.
With outside experts there to help your loved one, they will be more likely to recover.
Recovery Is Possible
Watching your loved one struggling with addiction can be an incredibly painful experience. You watch them fight and feel the impact of their addiction in your daily life.
With outside help, compassion, and care, change is possible. You don’t have to tackle this struggle alone.
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