It can be very challenging to cope with a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addicts may be in denial about their addiction and refuse to get help, or they may cycle through periods of sobriety and relapse that make it difficult to trust them. They may also behave in ways that are destructive and hurtful, such as stealing money from you or engaging in risky behaviors. Coping with an addict can be frustrating, overwhelming, and sometimes feel impossible. But there are things you can do to make it easier.
Understanding the addiction cycle
Addiction is a complex, chronic illness that causes profound changes in the brain. These changes can lead to compulsive drug seeking and use that persists even when an addict’s relationships are broken down because of their addiction. It can be hard for people who’ve never experienced addiction to understand how someone they care about could be so selfish and hurtful. The truth is that addiction becomes a person’s priority, and they may behave differently than they normally would as a result. Settling an addict in a private luxury rehab at Clinic Les Alpes will allow you to recuperate while being certain that your loved one is provided with the best support and attention there is. Different experts will be available for round-the-clock care to help addicts put their lives back together, focusing equally on the body and mind.
Know when to intervene and how to do so effectively.
It’s important to understand that while helping an addict may feel like the most important thing in the world to you, it may not be a priority for your loved one. When confronted with their addiction, addicts will often deny they have a problem and refuse help, even if they’re depending on drugs or alcohol just to get through the day. Forcing someone into treatment without their permission is not only unethical and wrong, but it’s also ineffective: 90% of those who go to rehab against their will drop out within the first month.
You can’t force someone to get help, but you can encourage them to do so if they’re open to receiving support. If you think your loved ones might benefit from rehab, there are ways that you can convince them of the same without pressuring or forcing them into doing something they don’t want to do.
Focus on yourself, not just your loved one
Addiction can have a tremendous impact on a person’s relationships with their family, friends, co-workers, and partners. It’s common for people to close to an addict to feel hurt or betrayed by behaviors that result from addiction. You may feel upset that your loved one is putting drugs before you and experiencing other negative consequences as a result. You might also feel that they’re wasting their life and not living up to their potential. As a result of your loved one’s drug use, you may find yourself neglecting important responsibilities at work or home, or even turning to drugs or alcohol too.
Know when you need help coping with the situation
You don’t have to go through the pain and stress of coping with a loved one’s addiction alone. Support groups can help you navigate this difficult time by providing a safe space to talk about your feelings and concerns with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Connecting with recovery groups is also a great way to learn more about addiction and how it affects an addict’s behavior. You’ll gain valuable insight by listening to others’ experiences, and this knowledge can help you feel more informed about how best to support your loved one on the road to recovery.
You may be tempted to control or even manipulate an addict into getting help. However, it’s important that you not take on responsibility for another person’s choices. That kind of behavior only breeds resentment, making it harder for your loved one to recover. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself by doing whatever you can to create a stable environment that encourages healthy choices.
You are the most important factor in helping someone overcome addiction
When dealing with an addict who refuses treatment, it can be difficult to understand why someone would be so unwilling to get better when you’re trying hard to help. Often, addicts don’t understand the severity of their addiction or feel they can quit without assistance. They may also lack insight into how drugs and alcohol are affecting their lives and relationships with other people.
If your loved ones aren’t ready to get help, there are ways you can support them without getting too involved. When addicts aren’t ready to seek treatment, it’s common for those close to them, including friends and family members, to step in and take matters into their own hands. While a person’s unwillingness to get help can be frustrating, it’s important not to turn your loved one into the enemy.
Turn your focus toward yourself and learn more about addiction, how it affects people’s behavior, and the science behind successful treatments. This knowledge will help you feel more informed when dealing with difficult situations in the future. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a professional for yourself as well, as daily coping with a person with symptoms of addiction can drain you out physically and emotionally.