How Can I Find Help for Dealing with an Addict?
If you are seeking help for dealing with your loved one, there are support groups that may be helpful to you, including:
- Al-Anon, a support group for people who love someone with a substance use issue.
- Codependents Anonymous, a support group for those who want to break free of codependent behaviors.
- Go to 1-on-1 cognitive behavioral therapy, or another type of therapy that is right for you. This will help you deal with being a codependent person who loves someone struggling with a substance use disorder.
How to Help a Loved One With an Addiction
The best ways to help a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may seem counterintuitive, especially for people who struggle with codependent relationships. Some of these methods may seem harsh, but they come from a loving approach with the ultimate goal to help the person overcome their addiction and to help all parties heal. Basic steps are outlined below.
- Remember that addiction is not a choice or a moral failing; it is a disease of the brain
- Addiction is ultimately a condition that the individual must learn to manage; no one can take the fight on for the addict.
- Set boundaries and stand by them.
- Encourage the individual to seek help; this may include finding treatment resources for them.
- Find a therapist who specializes in addiction counseling and get help. Loved ones of addicts need support too.
- Set an example for healthy living by giving up recreational drug and alcohol use.
- Be supportive, but do not cover for problems created by substance abuse. The person struggling needs to deal with the consequences of their addiction.
Be optimistic. A person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse will likely eventually seek help due to ongoing encouragement to do so. If they relapse, it is not a sign of failure; relapse is often part of the overall recovery process.
The support of peers and social networks can help keep individuals engaged in treatment, and committed to their recovery. Support comes in many forms. Ask your loved one how you can be the most supportive to them and take their lead.
With the agreement of the individual in treatment/recovery, you can:
- Help develop their treatment or recovery plan. This plan details small personal goals specific to the individual related to physical and mental health, employment, family and interpersonal relationships
- Attend mutual support meetings with your loved one or on your own to connect with others who have experienced addiction second-hand.
