How To Help Your Loved One in Oregon With Their Drug Addiction
When a loved one, such as a spouse, child or close friend, develops an addiction it can be heartbreaking to witness. It can cause relationships to suffer and break down, and once productive and joyful people can be reduced into mere shadows of their former selves. Addiction is not isolated to certain age groups or backgrounds. It can affect nearly anyone. And it may not be illegal drugs that are the problem; prescription medication and alcohol are also being used increasingly. When it comes time to help your loved one overcome their drug problem, you need to educate yourself on how best to assist them.
Know the warning signs
If you know what to be on the lookout for you can address the issue as early on as possible, to provide your loved one with the support and help that they need. Various different drugs have different symptoms of abuse so here we look at overall signs that may present:
Changes in the eyes (bloodshot or larger/smaller pupils) Weight loss or gain and changes in appetite Loss of interest in personal hygiene and deterioration of physical appearance Neglect of responsibilities and obligations Constantly needing money or being broke Lack of motivation and changes in regular mood Continued use of a substance even when it is having negative effects on lifestyle Getting into fights or having trouble with the law Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed Engaging in dangerous behaviors (for example; driving drunk or having unprotected sex)
Approach with caution
When you decide to speak to your loved one about their addiction be aware of the way you approach them. You need to speak to them from a place of caring and love, and not in a confrontational manner. If they feel threatened or become angry the discussion will result in a fight and you won’t be able to talk to them reasonably about their options.
Understand the reasons
To help your friend or family member you also need to try and understand why they are using substances. This is, after all, the root of the problem and if this can be addressed it can go a long way in assisting with recovery. It may be due to a traumatic event that they suffered or a mental illness. However, in some cases the addict does not even know why they are using until they begin some form of therapy.
Explore options together
Try to make your loved one feel included in the recovery process as much as possible. This way they feel they have some control and may be more willing to try. Discuss options such as inpatient therapy- which is preferable as they will have 24 hour medical care to help them in the detox phase and access to therapy. Other options may include outpatient therapy and group therapy.
What to avoid-Refrain from self-blame. Another person’s addiction is not your fault. -Trying to guilt the user to stop using – this never works. -Forcing the user into treatment. You can offer your support and love, but the user needs to want to change. You simply cannot change another person. -Thinking that they will be able to quit on the first try. They may need to make multiple attempts, and you need to be there to support them.-Not taking care of you. It’s easy to become so entangled in another person’s issue that you forget about yourself. If you don’t care for yourself, you won’t have anything to offer your loved one.
Finding out your loved one has an addiction can be difficult, but you can also view it as a chance to help them change their lives for the better. Be on the look out for warning signs and try to intervene in a non-confrontational way as soon as you can. Discuss options with them and let them know you will help them in whatever way you can. Help them gather as much support as they need from family, close friends, recovering addicts, religious leaders and healthcare providers. Remove them from situations and friends that encourage drug use and show them that you care enough to stick by them during their recovery. And remember to take care of yourself while they go through their recovery. It may be a long and difficult journey, but it will help them to regain their lives and be happy again.
Know the warning signs
If you know what to be on the lookout for you can address the issue as early on as possible, to provide your loved one with the support and help that they need. Various different drugs have different symptoms of abuse so here we look at overall signs that may present:
Changes in the eyes (bloodshot or larger/smaller pupils) Weight loss or gain and changes in appetite Loss of interest in personal hygiene and deterioration of physical appearance Neglect of responsibilities and obligations Constantly needing money or being broke Lack of motivation and changes in regular mood Continued use of a substance even when it is having negative effects on lifestyle Getting into fights or having trouble with the law Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed Engaging in dangerous behaviors (for example; driving drunk or having unprotected sex)
Approach with caution
When you decide to speak to your loved one about their addiction be aware of the way you approach them. You need to speak to them from a place of caring and love, and not in a confrontational manner. If they feel threatened or become angry the discussion will result in a fight and you won’t be able to talk to them reasonably about their options.
Understand the reasons
To help your friend or family member you also need to try and understand why they are using substances. This is, after all, the root of the problem and if this can be addressed it can go a long way in assisting with recovery. It may be due to a traumatic event that they suffered or a mental illness. However, in some cases the addict does not even know why they are using until they begin some form of therapy.
Explore options together
Try to make your loved one feel included in the recovery process as much as possible. This way they feel they have some control and may be more willing to try. Discuss options such as inpatient therapy- which is preferable as they will have 24 hour medical care to help them in the detox phase and access to therapy. Other options may include outpatient therapy and group therapy.
What to avoid-Refrain from self-blame. Another person’s addiction is not your fault. -Trying to guilt the user to stop using – this never works. -Forcing the user into treatment. You can offer your support and love, but the user needs to want to change. You simply cannot change another person. -Thinking that they will be able to quit on the first try. They may need to make multiple attempts, and you need to be there to support them.-Not taking care of you. It’s easy to become so entangled in another person’s issue that you forget about yourself. If you don’t care for yourself, you won’t have anything to offer your loved one.
Finding out your loved one has an addiction can be difficult, but you can also view it as a chance to help them change their lives for the better. Be on the look out for warning signs and try to intervene in a non-confrontational way as soon as you can. Discuss options with them and let them know you will help them in whatever way you can. Help them gather as much support as they need from family, close friends, recovering addicts, religious leaders and healthcare providers. Remove them from situations and friends that encourage drug use and show them that you care enough to stick by them during their recovery. And remember to take care of yourself while they go through their recovery. It may be a long and difficult journey, but it will help them to regain their lives and be happy again.