How to identify if your loved one is dealing with addiction is a challenge for you, and your family. Many addicts are in denial of the problem, and it’s hard to know where to turn when your loved one keeps changing his or her behavior. In some cases, drug and alcohol abuse can result in physical symptoms that are not easily noticeable but can be dangerous to the health and the wellbeing of those around the individual. Here are a few tips to help you identify if your loved one is dealing with addiction, and if so, how to help him or her overcome it.
There are addiction treatment programs exist across the country. They will be assessed and will need treatment. Treatment includes medically managed detox, therapy, and group work. It is imperative that you can provide emotional support, too, to help the addict to deal with the disorder. If you have a difficult time coping with your loved one’s addiction, be sure to discuss your feelings about the situation with your family.
After you have contacted your family member and have found a treatment center that may be compatible with the individual, you will need to learn everything about that program before moving forward. Once you’ve finalized a center, you will likely be meeting several times during your treatment period, and these meetings will help you develop an emotional attachment to your loved one. Once your loved one has recovered, your relationship with him or her will be stronger.
Be Honest and Open
Be open and honest with family members and let them know what you are feeling about the situation. It is important to reassure them that you will be there for them, many addicts begin to withdraw from their families as soon as they enter treatment. Your loved one may be afraid that he or she is losing control of his or her life and may not want the help they need.
When you talk with your loved one about the problem, be honest on how their addiction is affecting you. When the counselor asks you for help, offer your opinion, and share with the counselor how you feel. This will help you understand why your loved one feels the way he or she does.
You may also find out that your loved one may have tried to seek treatment for other health conditions that may have been causing the problem. In many cases, alcohol or drug abuse leads to heart problems, and even suicide attempts. If your loved one seems to be having a hard time dealing with both, you may want to take him or her to see a doctor. For example, your loved one may be mixing Ambien and alcohol because they feel they have a hard time getting sleep. What they may not realize is that the combination of the two can be quite dangerous and pose health risks.
If the doctor determines that you or your loved one is not suffering from a medical condition and is truly suffering from an addiction, then you can move forward in helping them find a suitable addiction treatment program that will help in their recovery.
Understand the Recovery Process
Medication may be used to reduce cravings, reduce the stress of constant withdrawal, and may be prescribed to help the individual cope with emotional issues that are causing the problem. Treatment will often include therapy for your loved one to learn new ways to deal with the addiction and avoid future problems. Treatment programs typically provide a medically managed detox that will help your loved one with the withdrawal process.
Before the treatment begins, make sure that your loved one is receiving all of the proper care. The doctor or therapist should have dealt with similar issues and be familiar with the types of problems that may affect someone with an addiction. If you suspect that your loved one is struggling with addiction, you can ask the counselor to assess the situation and recommend treatment options.
An addiction counselor at the treatment center your loved one has agreed to get treated will help develop an action plan to help your family member to become sober and stay that way. If necessary, he or she can refer the individual to an addiction professional in this field. The most effective treatment involves long term follow-up.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to recovering from addiction is the fact that they cannot fight the disease alone. Seek help and support from others who are affected by the same issues your loved one is struggling with. Family members, friends, and professionals can all help you to cope and overcome the problem. Your counselor is your key ally as you deal with this difficult time.