Being able to recover from addiction requires a lot of help because it is a difficult disease. You are aware that therapy is difficult because you have either been there or your loved one has. Hard effort, dedication, and occasionally, even more, are necessary. According to Julian Mitton, MD, there are many ways you can assist yourself or a loved one during the healing process, from spotting issues early on to guiding them toward the most appropriate treatments. Here are some suggestions for improving the efficiency and comradery of drug treatment:
Focus On Behavioral Addictions As Much As Chemical Ones
Many individuals battle behavioral addictions. According to Julian Mitton, MD, some examples of behavioral addictions include sex, pornography, eating, buying, and gambling. Being conscious of what they are going through and how you can assist them is the first step in helping someone with a behavioral addiction.
- Be realistic about treatment options. It is critical to realize that not all therapies are created equal. Some medical treatments are less expensive and/or more efficient than others. Furthermore, a specific therapy may be suitable for you but not for another addict. If your spouse needs help with alcoholism or marijuana use and lives near a free 12-step meeting hall with recovering addicts, this may be your best option. For instance, inpatient rehab for heroin abuse can be costly.
- Know how to be a good advocate for yourself or a loved one. As an advocate, you should know what you need and be clear about your needs. You can ask for help, but also be assertive and respectful of others’ time and space. Remember that it may take time to find the right treatment for a loved one who is struggling with addiction, so don’t give up.
- Understand that treatment isn’t just about drugs and alcohol. Addiction is a disease that, like other chronic diseases, can be managed but not cured. As a result, treatment isn’t just about drugs and booze. It’s also about improving your general health, which means focusing on non-substance issues like sleep and nutrition as well as substance use patterns and sobriety goals. Most people need ongoing support to maintain long-term sobriety, even if abstinence is an aim in early recovery.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself. You don’t have to do everything for the person with addiction, and it’s okay if they don’t think of their own needs at all. If you find yourself unable to help someone because they are not taking care of their own needs or asking for help, then it may be time for you to take a break from helping them.
There Are Many Things You Can Do To Help Support Someone Struggling With Addiction
If you are a friend or family member of someone who is struggling with addiction, there are many things that you can do to support them. The most important thing is to help them find treatment. If they have already been in treatment and relapsed, it’s not necessarily a failure; rather, it means that they need more support and resources to stay sober this time around.
You can also be an active listener by listening attentively when your loved one talks about their struggles with drugs or alcohol–and please avoid interrupting. It’s very important for people suffering from addiction issues not only because it shows them that someone cares about them but also because it allows them to share their feelings without judgmental responses from others.
