Helping an Addicted Loved One in the Most Effective Ways
When you have someone in your life that is addicted to alcohol or drugs, it’s vital to learn how to help an addict without enabling their behavior. There are definitely ways to do just that. No one should have to go through rehab and recovery on their own, and knowing their friends and family are there for them will be a big help. Knowing is half the battle, and by following a few steps, you can offer significant support to the person you love.
What Is Enabling?
Enabling occurs when friends or family members take or avoid actions that help an addict in their life continue to abuse drugs or alcohol. It can be as simple as looking the other way instead of addressing their drug use.
It can also take the form of giving them money earmarked for something specific they need, even though you know they’re using it to buy drugs. Actions like these dilute the negative impact when trying to implement ways on how to help an addict instead of enabling them to continue without feeling the consequences of their conduct.
How to Help Without Hurting
There are several ways to help someone addicted to drugs or alcohol without hurting them emotionally or their progress in attaining sobriety. In many cases, friends, family members, loved ones, and even coworkers want to be part of the solution without being part of the problem.
Becoming educated about addiction, being willing to take part in therapy, and always being positive and encouraging are all part of how to help an addict without hurting the person in your life. Here are some specific ways you can get involved in helpful ways:
Go to Family Meetings for 12-Step Programs
The family meetings coordinated by 12-step programs across the country are among the best ways to learn how to ensure you are not enabling your loved one. 12-step program organizations are highly educational and are focused on helping you help the person in your life.
Participate in Family Therapy with the Addict
No matter the situation, loved ones will almost always respond well to you getting involved in something important to them. No matter how dedicated they are to their recovery, going to family therapy will add much more support to what they’re trying to accomplish.
Stop Indulging the Addict’s Behaviors and Detrimental Behaviors
Looking the other way and hoping the problem will go away on its own is not the way to address drug abuse or addiction. Changing your behavior to allow a loved one to continue down a negative path will never be helpful or productive.
Start Encouraging Rehab Drug Treatment
Openly discussing the benefits of drug rehab treatment is one way to get the conversation started and keep it at the forefront of everyone’s mind who is involved in your group of family or friends. Drug rehab organizations have many resources for you to tap into if you don’t know where to begin. Lean on them when you need to know how to bring up the rehab topic and the importance of getting the treatment a person needs.
Commit to Rehab
It’s essential to understand that alcohol and drug rehab are a lifelong commitment for both the person struggling with addiction and their family members. In the long-term, this might come in the form of aftercare support, but there will always be an effort needed, so let your person know you are there for them all the way.
Family Therapy to Help Loved Ones Understand Addiction
In general, family therapy helps loved ones communicate better, solve problems, and create a better environment for everyone. This set of goals can apply to drug addiction, too. Family therapy helps loved ones understand what their family members are going through and their dedication to enter recovery successfully. Family therapy also shows the person struggling with addiction that the people in their life want to help and support them reach their goal of sobriety.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab at Muse in Los Angeles
Getting help from professionals is often the key to someone successfully entering recovery. There are many treatment options for alcohol and drug rehab at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles. Individual, group, and family therapy sessions are just some of the choices Muse offers their clients. Give us a call today at (800) 426-1818 and let us find the perfect customized plan for you or your loved one today.
