Introduction
Addiction is a complex and chronic disease. It’s not your fault if you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, but it is important to be aware of the road ahead. Despite all its challenges, recovery from addiction is possible with the right support and resources. Say’s Dr. Julian Mitton, this guide will help you understand how addiction affects people, what type of treatment programs are available, and how you can help someone in their recovery process.
Addiction is a chronic disease.
Addiction is a chronic disease. It’s not a character flaw or moral failing, but rather a brain disease that can be treated and managed through therapy and medication.
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often have underlying mental health issues such as depression and anxiety–and many people who suffer from these disorders also struggle with addiction. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 75% of people with serious mental illnesses also have substance use disorders (SUDs).
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines SUDs as “a cluster of physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and social symptoms resulting from repeated use of alcohol or other drugs.” These symptoms include:
- Craving — An intense desire for alcohol or drugs; an urge that makes you want it more than anything else in the world
- Loss of control — Not being able to stop using even though you want too; giving into cravings despite knowing how bad they’ll make me feel later
It’s not your fault.
It’s important to remember that addiction isn’t your fault. You can’t control the actions of other people, but you can only control your own actions and reactions. It’s important to accept this so you don’t blame yourself for your loved one’s addiction–and don’t allow them to use it as an excuse for their behavior either.
Admit you have a problem.
Admitting that you have a problem is the first step in seeking help. It can be very difficult to admit, especially if you’ve been hiding your use or dependency for years.
If you suspect that someone close to you has an addiction, talking about it can be even tougher than admitting it yourself. But if they don’t know how much their behavior affects others, they won’t be able to change it on their own–and neither will anyone else who cares about them (including themselves).
Talking openly with each other is critical when dealing with any kind of substance abuse issue, whether it’s yours or someone else’s:
Find the right help.
Finding the right treatment program can be a challenging process. It’s important to find a program that offers evidence-based care and has a good reputation, but it’s also important to make sure your loved one is receiving the right level of care for their addiction. If they’re going through withdrawal, they may need medical supervision as well as psychiatric support; if they have an opioid use disorder and are addicted to heroin, methadone maintenance might be necessary. Finally, if you want them close by so that you can visit them frequently during treatment (and afterward), consider programs located near home so there aren’t any logistical difficulties getting there every day or weekend!
A good rehab program should help you develop tools for recovery.
A good rehab program should help you develop tools for recovery. The first step is getting to know your own needs, as well as the needs of other people who are affected by addiction. It’s also important to learn about the different kinds of treatment available and how they can fit into your life.
In addition to providing individualized care and support, a good rehab program will provide a safe environment in which healing can take place–one that encourages honesty without judgment or shame. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential components of any successful recovery plan; this means that any program worth its salt should make sure their clients have access to fresh food (organic if possible!), free time outdoors, opportunities for exercise (i.e., yoga classes), etcetera…
Finally: social support! While some individuals may choose not participate in group therapy sessions at all during their stay at an addiction treatment center (and there are certainly benefits associated with doing so), we recommend taking advantage of these opportunities whenever possible because they’re invaluable tools when it comes time getting back out there into society again after completing treatment.”
An intervention is a great way to get started on the road to recovery.
An intervention is a great way to get started on the road to recovery. It’s not a cure, but it is an opportunity for your loved one to admit they have a problem and take steps toward getting help. An intervention can be done in person or over the phone; either way, it involves family members speaking directly with their loved one about their addiction issues.
Interventions are usually led by an interventionist who has experience helping people overcome substance abuse issues. The purpose of an intervention is twofold: first, it allows family members and friends of addicts to come together as one group so they can express their concerns about how their addiction has affected them personally; second, it gives addicts themselves space away from everyday distractions so they may focus solely on listening without interruption or distraction from others around them
The first step of an intervention is getting your loved one treatment for their addiction.
The first step of an intervention is getting your loved one treatment for their addiction. If they have not already agreed to go, it’s important to know that you can’t force them into treatment. You can, however, try to convince them that it’s in their best interest and encourage them to seek help on their own terms.
You should also be prepared for what might happen during the intervention itself–both in terms of how your loved one reacts and how others react around him or her. It’s not uncommon for people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol to become defensive when confronted about their substance use disorder (SUD), so remember that any confrontation may cause an emotional outburst from someone who isn’t ready yet but needs help nevertheless!
Your loved one may resist at first, but eventually they will give in and agree to go to rehab if you continue to show your support for their recovery and offer them information about how their substance use has been affecting their lives and everyone around them.
Your loved one may resist at first, but eventually they will give in and agree to go to rehab if you continue to show your support for their recovery and offer them information about how their substance use has been affecting their lives and everyone around them.
You can help by offering to accompany your loved one on the search for treatment facilities, or even offer financial assistance if they are unable to pay for it on their own. This can be a very stressful time for both parties involved, so it’s important that you remain supportive throughout this process.
If possible, share your own experiences with addiction or discuss how you’ve been affected by their substance use (or lack thereof). This can help them understand what kind of life awaits them when they enter rehab–and why getting clean is so important!
Continue to be supportive during treatment, even if it’s hard or awkward at first.
- Continue to be supportive of your loved one during treatment, even if it’s hard or awkward at first.
- Be patient with the process and don’t give up on your loved one.
- Be prepared for setbacks, which can happen at any point in the recovery process. Do not take these setbacks personally; instead, use them as opportunities to learn more about what helps your loved one cope when they feel triggered by their addiction or other stressors in their life (for example: meditation or exercise). It’s also important for you not to do anything that might trigger an addictive behavior–like giving alcohol as a gift around Christmas time if you know your loved one struggles with alcohol abuse issues!
While your loved one may be going through an intensive outpatient treatment program, it’s important that you continue to show them that you’re there for them so they know they don’t have to go through this alone.
While your loved one may be going through an intensive outpatient treatment program, it’s important that you continue to show them that you’re there for them so they know they don’t have to go through this alone. You can do this by:
- Being there for them when they need a ride to a meeting. If your loved one has started going to support group meetings or therapy sessions, make sure their transportation needs are met by offering rides when needed. Whether it’s taking them in the morning or driving home after work, helping out with transportation will show that you care about their well-being and want what’s best for them as they continue working toward recovery.
- Showing up at those same meetings yourself! Just because someone else is leading doesn’t mean we should stop participating ourselves; showing up shows our support while also encouraging others who may need encouragement themselves.”
Conclusion
Addiction is a serious problem that can affect anyone, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. With the right support and resources, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy life free from substance abuse.
