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A person suffering from addiction needs constant support from family and loved ones, even if he seems to reject them. Help from the environment is a very necessary factor in the addiction therapy process. However, it should be done consciously and consistently. It is an extremely difficult and demanding process. Unfortunately, when the problem concerns one person in the family, it has a negative impact on all of its members. How to deal with an addicted person on the way to fight the addiction?
Read more: ways of helping someone who has abused drugs
Accept and gain knowledge
The most important step in treating any kind of addiction is acceptance, that is, realizing the problem and accepting it. Don’t pretend it doesn’t exist or that it will resolve itself.
Then, it is important to learn about the mechanisms of addiction, the behavior of addicts and the manipulations they resort to to conceal the addiction.
It is worth using professional literature, consulting specialists, therapists or even people who already have similar experiences behind them. Some treatment centers have social media support groups, and there are also helplines and forums where you can get a lot of information.
When helping others, don’t let yourself be hurt
It is normal that we want to help when a loved one is ill. However, a rational approach supported by knowledge is important, even if it may seem too cold and demanding. Unfortunately, by doing it the wrong way, you can harm not only the addict but yourself.
It is worth mentioning here the phenomenon of codependency. It is a system of behaviors that unconsciously and unintentionally strengthen the addict’s disorders. It is characterized by taking responsibility for the addicted person, taking over their roles and responsibilities, and gradual adaptation to a destructive situation. This can lead to anxiety or depression. Although it is not a disease, it also requires psychotherapy.
Don’t hide and don’t make excuses!
It is very common and inappropriate to avoid the subject of addiction, not to talk about it with the addict for fear of worsening his condition or provoking a quarrel. There is a constant hiding of this fact, explaining and justifying the addicted person at work, among friends and family.
You cannot protect an addict from the consequences of his actions. In this way, not only do we not motivate to fight the addiction, but also deepen the problem
Read more: how long does heroin stay in your system
Threats and blackmail will not help
It should be remembered that addiction is a disease and all sufferers should be respected. Although it is very difficult, because an addiction takes over a person’s psyche and changes his way of being and behavior.
The use of threats and blackmail is usually not a good solution and can often be counterproductive. Better to make sure that the conversations do not turn into quarrels full of insults. There is no point in taking them when the person is intoxicated. They should be carried out calmly, but substantively.
However, it is worth mentioning once again the consistency in action and the assertive attitude towards the addicted person. Sometimes ultimatums and the decision to leave your partner, if he doesn’t start to heal, can be effective. An addicted person, not wanting to lose a loved one, may decide to fight the addiction.
Joint therapy
The family or partner of an addicted person very often also need support and specialist help. Joint therapy may increase the chances of successful treatment of an addict, as well as improving mutual relations. It is not only additional motivation for the addicted person, but above all, getting help and support for himself.
Living with an addicted person is a very difficult and mentally stressful experience. When helping such a person, you should first of all keep your welfare in mind. Only appropriate and conscious action is a real support for a person struggling with addiction.
