Helping an addict can be a challenging and overwhelming process. When someone you love is suffering from an addiction, it can create a confusing and frustrating combination of emotions. The unique set of stresses that come with proximity to addiction can feel overwhelming, but there is help. There are ways to manage your own life amid the chaos and be the best possible support to the person in your life who is struggling. If you are searching for intervention services in Florida, BoardPrep Recovery can provide the resources needed to help you help your loved one.
How to Help an Addict
While no one can be helped who doesn’t want it, there are ways to show an addict that you care and are willing to support them when they are ready for change. You can encourage them by offering to find a treatment program or attend meetings with them to provide moral support when they’re ready. There are some common pitfalls to look out for when approaching someone about their addiction. These include:
- Being judgmental
- Having unrealistic expectations
- Preaching or lecturing to the addict
- Getting angry
- Showing pity
Recovery is a long and difficult process, and addicted individuals will need ongoing support as they work to maintain sobriety. Showing support while someone finds sobriety is a great way to keep them on the right path, and there are simple and effective ways to do that. You can check in with them regularly, not drink or use drugs around them, and provide an open and understanding environment free of judgment and full of listening.
Caring For Yourself
While it’s not easy to be in any sort of relationship with an addict, there are ways that you can try and make it more bearable. One of the first and most important ways you can help an addict in your life is to learn how to take care of yourself.
One of the most important ways to practice self-care in this situation is to set boundaries. It’s important to be clear about not enabling that person’s behavior, which might mean not lending them money or refusing to lie for them. This not only helps you keep yourself safe, but it also helps the addict as well. If you’re caring for an addict, it’s likely that you will feel physically or mentally drained. Seek support from friends, family, support groups, or a therapist to help you cope with these challenges.
Lastly, educate yourself about addiction: It’s important to understand the nature of addiction and how it affects the brain and behavior. This can help you to better understand the challenges that the addict is facing and how to support them in their recovery while saving yourself from anger and resentment.
Staging an Intervention
One of the most concrete ways to help an addict is to stage an intervention. An intervention is a conversation between an addict and their loved ones, often facilitated by a professional, in order for everyone involved to express their feelings constructively. The purpose of an intervention is for the individual struggling with a substance use disorder to hear how their actions have affected the people they love in a safe environment.
The first step in staging an intervention is to locate an intervention specialist. This person can help those involved decide who should be included in the intervention group, when and where to best approach the addict, and help the group rehearse their conversation. An important benefit of using an intervention specialist is that they are informed about substance use disorders and are trained to be prepared for anything. It can be difficult to approach someone about recovery and having someone there who deeply understands how to navigate this delicate subject is of the utmost importance.
BoardPrep Recovery Can Help You Stage an Intervention
Addiction isn’t just something that affects the individual. It causes pain and stress for the people who love them and can create problems at work, at school, and at home. Navigating a relationship with someone battling addiction is not easy. Fortunately, professional assistance can help. At BoardPrep Recovery, we have staff who are trained to be supportive of you while you support your loved one. Contact us at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how we can be of service today.
