How Can You Help Someone Who Has An Addiction?
Addiction is difficult for not only the affected individual, but their family members as well. My uncle was addicted to pain medication for many years. He was involved in a car accident and had to have quite a few surgeries during his recovery. After each one, he was prescribed a narcotic to help control his pain. Eventually he became addicted to those prescription drugs.
In his case he continued to take the medication not to just dull his pain, but to get a high feeling from it. This was difficult for our family to see and we weren’t sure exactly how to help my uncle. We were able to find a treatment facility for him, and today he is no longer addicted to pain medication. If you find yourself in the same situation that I was in with my uncle, here are some things that you can to help your loved one:
Don’t Shame Them
Unfortunately, a lot of friends and family members of those that have an addiction think that shaming them will solve the problem. In reality, all it does is make it worse. Chances are that the addict feels bad enough about what they are doing and are already ashamed about their behavior. Shaming the individual may just make them turn to their drug of choice even more. Rather than shaming them, find additional guidance and information online about it. You can get insight about how to bring up uncomfortable conversations, and tips on what you should and should not say. You are not alone in this dilemma, but you need to seek out the support.
Be A Listening Ear
Many individuals, who have an addiction, just need someone to talk to. Try to be a listening ear and don’t be judgmental. While some of the things that they are saying may make you cringe inside, don’t react in a negative way. It’s important that you show them that you are able to be trusted and that they can come to you when they are having a bad day and just need to talk. Try not to ask too many questions and just be there when they need someone to listen to them. It’s important that they gain your trust and feel that you are there for them no matter what. Often times just letting them talk about the problem is beneficial. It allows them to look at their problems from a different angle just by putting it into words. This can be very good for their willpower going forward.
Find The Right Treatment Facility
One of the best ways that you can help an individual that has an addiction is by finding the right treatment facility for them. They should be experienced with a variety of different types of addictions and have a proven track record for helping individuals overcome it. What many people don’t realize is that an addiction can easily be cured with the right treatment. In order for a cure to happen, an individual must find the right people to help them. Sanford rehab has been able to help many individuals conquer an addiction, no matter how long they have been struggling with it. Those that are suffering from an addiction are usually more receptive about going and getting help if they feel comfortable about the treatment facility that they will be going too.