Living with someone who suffers from substance abuse can be really difficult. Not only does the addict’s life get turned upside down, and the ones living with them suffer.
Despite knowing the facts, potential substance addicts never feel discouraged from “trying them out” to the point of turning dependent on them.
According to the National Centre for Drug Abuse Statistics, about 50% of the population aged 12 years or older have taken illicit substances at least once.
If you wish to know how to help the addict recover and cope, then here are a few useful tips.
1. Learn more about the addiction
The first step toward helping someone suffering from an addiction is to read up on how and why it happens.
Unless you have proper information about the substance that your family member uses, you won’t fully grasp the severity of the situation. Study how the addiction starts and which parts of the body it affects.
Next, see the effects of substance addiction on the addict’s friends and family. Finally, make sure to read articles given only on legitimate websites and journals.
You can even visit an addiction support group and ask them for more information if possible.
2. Talk to them calmly
If the person you’re living with has just started to consume drugs or unhealthy amounts of alcohol, it’s good to approach them calmly and ask them if something is bothering them.
Chances are, they might open up to you and tell you the root cause behind their addiction.
However, make sure to meet them in a public place and talk to them when they are sober. It’s no good if you try to reason with a drunk or high person, and it will only make you more frustrated.
Also, make it a point never to meet at a bar or a nightclub because it might make them turn to the addictive substance.
3. Explain the detrimental effects of their behavior
If the addict whom you’re living with has a partner or even kids, you can urge them to think about the effects of their lifestyle on their family members.
Even if the person doesn’t really care about themselves, there must be someone whom they deeply love.
If you personally know any of their close friends or family members, ask them to accompany you. Seeing their precious person suffer can make the addict realize that it’s time for them to turn over a new leaf.
However, be mindful of what to say and how to be respectful while talking.
4. Get counseling
Many people believe that counseling is only for the person suffering from an addiction. But in reality, many counseling sessions are available for people directly living with the addict.
These sessions will help you to clear your mind and approach the situation bravely. Remember, you can only help the addict if you know how to take control of your emotions.
If you’re a working professional, your company might have some kind of Employee Assistance Programme, or your health insurance can cover any mental health support needed.
5. Be aware of local addiction-curing committees
If you’re simply unable to live with the addict under the same roof, it might be useful to shift them to a rehabilitation center or a local support group.
Various treatment plans are available in almost every country and city, so keep an eye out for the local resources in your area.
Otherwise, call the Office of Substance Abuses in your locality and ask them what sort of treatment plan would benefit the person suffering.
If the addict refuses to get help or enroll in rehab, it’s your job to stick to your decision and sort out a treatment plan.
6. Be prepared for a lot of emotions
Perhaps the most important thing while helping out an addict is to prepare yourself to face a wide spectrum of emotions.
If you tell them the consequences of their actions, they’ll probably lash out at you, ignore you, or completely break down.
Don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Instead, hold your ground and let them know that you won’t abandon them when they need help.
Moreover, never preach or lecture them about their wrongdoings. Instead, talk to them the way you’d talk to someone who’s made an innocent mistake. Be polite but remain firm.
Over to you…
While it can be incredibly hard to tolerate the negative consequences of living with an addict, it’s important to prioritize your mental well-being.
Exercise daily, eat healthy food, and get enough sleep, so your mind and body aren’t worn out due to stress.