Can you count the number of people you see lying homeless on the roads? You might have noticed many among them using drugs. Addiction is a complex condition that manifests upon the use of some compulsive substances besides their harmful consequences. Drug addiction is prevalent among people between the ages of 18 and up to 35 years old. Unlike other medical conditions, addiction is not easy to treat, and the treatment has no manual. People tend to use drugs to escape reality from depression or trauma that they cannot share with anyone else.
We hear many stories from women complaining about their drunk husbands. If you inquire further, the person was not always an addict but developed the addiction in many cases. Addiction can develop at any stage of life, provided how much you are using the substance and what quantities. Living with a spouse who has fallen victim to substance abuse or has developed an addiction is not easy. The person dealing with a drug-addicted spouse often experiences anxiety, unhappiness, negative emotions, and in severe cases, violence. As a family member or loved one, you will want to help out the person towards recovery.
The recovery often starts with a tough talk as people who are high on drugs can barely think of quitting them. They instead look for means and ways to keep the chemical or drug influx running. They might starve themselves and spend the money on food on the drugs. When the person is all up for wanting more, talking them through is a challenge. Your spouse might not be willing to speak to you, knowing that you will talk through his addiction and that he or she won’t quit.
Drug addiction is common in every country, and they have rehabilitation centers all over the country to help people with addiction. People residing in San Diego or nearby areas can convince their spouses or loved ones to visit San Diego drug rehab. These rehabilitation centers have a designed program to help a drug addict towards recovery with expert help and medications. Besides receiving expert assistance from rehab, here are some dos and don’ts that you must know while helping your spouse dealing with addiction.
DOs
Encourage
A person struggling with addiction will often think that they cannot do it, or their withdrawal symptoms make it worst to recover. Like everyone else, these individuals also need the assurance and faith that they can overcome it or do it. These individuals are often hesitant to seek professional help, but encouraging them and realizing that they are not alone in this suffering can boost their morale a bit. A partner accompanying them to a general practitioner or other caregiving services also leads to a positive impact.
Learn or know about addiction
You cannot address or talk to somebody about their issues without knowing the problem. Before you can convince your spouse to seek help, you will need to understand why they need help. Learning about addiction and how it affects an individual’s well-being can assist you in pep talk and let them see the consequences. Search and read through different blogs or articles about addiction, gather authentic information, or visit your nearest rehabilitation to understand the addiction and its effects.
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Have boundaries
Your spouse might not react in a friendly way, but boundaries can help once you know they are dealing with an issue. Introduce limitations little by little. The standard limits you can put to practice include not allowing them to drink, keeping a strict watch on when they leave, and coming home. These might appear challenging to adapt to the person suffering from addiction, but you will get the result with perseverance. Setting boundaries and appreciating the addicted spouse to follow them will help train their mind to curb the craving.
Practice self-care
You might be dealing with your spouse’s recovery process from addiction, but it cannot happen if you are unwell. Habit can creep into families and ruin the mental peace of everyone. As a spouse, take necessary measures to take care of yourself through nutrition, meditation, and exercise. You will need energy and peace of mind to help a person struggling with addiction and throwing tantrums.
DON’Ts
Punish
People recovering from addiction often give up on their withdrawal symptoms. A drug addict facing these systems suffers a big deal and might fall into relapse. In such cases, punishing the individual will only worsen the condition and take him away from the will to recover. Dealing with them harshly or announcing the punishment will make them feel worse and affect their self-esteem.
Give financial aid
If the person set on the recovery path asks for some money, try to fulfill or buy them what they need instead of handing over the money. Giving them money will enable them to buy more drugs, and all the efforts will go down the drain.
Blame or make them feel guilty
A person addicted to drugs is suffering on various levels. Their mental and emotional health is not as stable as ours. If you are going to blame the person for their addiction, they will feel bad about themselves. Blaming or making them feel guilty will demolish their self-esteem, and the person might opt for suicide.
Tell that they are selfish.
Many addicts are aware that their actions will have a direct effect on the people around them. However, they cannot help themselves due to the compulsion they feel. Telling them that their act is selfish will have no positive impact on them and reduce their recovery chances.
Conclusion
A person suffering from addiction needs a lot of tender love and care to overcome their addiction. It is not an easy path if you decide to accompany your spouse. You will have to make them realize that there is a solution to it. Communicate with them and jog the emotions that will convince them to quit. Instead of letting them know that they are a burden or making your life difficult, give them a chance to recover. Assist them throughout their rehab journey and do not fall victim to their withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are painful to observe; once you get your spouse to get past these symptoms, there is hope. Perseverance and emotional support can help your spouse to recover in no time.