Addiction can take a toll not only on the person struggling with it but also on their loved ones, including family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Addressing this issue and taking action can be challenging for those close to someone with a substance use disorder (SUD). The statistics are sobering – in 2020, over 37 million Americans aged 12 and older used illicit drugs, with over a quarter qualifying as having a drug use disorder. Additionally, nearly 139 million Americans drank alcohol in the past month, with over 20% having an alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, contrary to what you might believe, you have a significant role in helping your loved one on their path to recovery. Here, we outline five critical things you can do for your loved one in addiction treatment.
1. Educate Yourself
The first step in helping your loved one is to gather accurate information about addiction and its treatment options from trusted sources like SAMHSA, the AMA, AA, NA, and healthcare professionals. Contact addiction recovery centers to understand their treatment offerings, costs, and insurance coverage. For instance, Renaissance Ranch offers valuable insights and a free Family Addiction Recovery podcast series.
2. Communicate with Compassion
Approach your loved one with empathy and concern. Let them know that you love them and are worried about their well-being. Ask non-judgmental questions and express your support. This approach helps your loved one feel less isolated and more supported.
3. Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s vital to differentiate between supporting your loved one and enabling their behavior. Enabling can take various forms, such as making excuses for their actions or helping them avoid consequences. You protect yourself and your family from manipulation and potential harm by setting healthy boundaries. Enabling should be avoided as it prevents your loved one from experiencing the consequences of their actions, which can motivate them to seek change.
4. Encourage Seeking Professional Help
Armed with knowledge, you can encourage your loved one to seek professional addiction treatment. Help them understand that addiction is a disease and requires medical assistance like any other illness. Attempting to overcome addiction alone is not recommended, and there’s no shame in seeking help from knowledgeable and compassionate professionals, many of whom have overcome addiction themselves.
5. Participate in Recovery
Family members can play a significant role in supporting their loved one’s recovery journey. Involvement in their treatment, whether through financial support or attending family group classes, webinars, or podcasts, can be highly beneficial. Research indicates that family involvement is essential for an individual’s addiction recovery. Sustained sobriety depends on healthy, supportive relationships, and families play a vital role in solving addiction as a family disease.
It’s important to remember that recovery is not just for the individual with the substance use disorder; it’s a journey that involves the entire family. Helping a loved one through addiction treatment involves education, compassionate communication, setting boundaries, encouraging professional help, and active participation in their recovery journey. Following these steps, you can support your loved one on their path to sobriety and healing.
source: https://renaissanceranch.net/5-critical-things-you-can-do-for-your-loved-one-in-addiction-treatment/
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