There are few things that are more difficult than watching a loved one become entangled in the throes of addiction. The destructive cycle that substance abuse perpetuates can ruin a person’s life, and it often feels like there is nothing we, as their loved ones, can do about it. However, the most important thing that we can do is try to get this person to accept that they have a problem, and to try to get help. This is trickier than it sounds, but it is immensely important for their health and wellbeing. Here are some tips on getting a loved one into recovery…
It starts with an intervention
It might sound cliche, but an intervention is usually the most effective way to get across the gravity of the situation to an addict. Seeing how their actions have affected their loved ones and their perception of themselves, while embarrassing, is an important step for an addict to seek treatment. Before your loved one gets further and further wrapped up in a lifestyle that is controlled by substance abuse, put together an intervention to communicate your feelings to them.
Be an effective communicator
The most important rule of an intervention is to be a clear and effective communicator. An intervention is about communicating your feelings in a direct way that helps an addict see how they are affecting you. Don’t get angry or upset, although understand that the person the intervention is for might have some of these negative feelings. Instead, be as pragmatic about an intervention as you can possibly be, as it will yield more positive, and longer lasting, results.
Stand by your ultimatums
If an addict is dependent on you for housing and food, or even simply for your emotional support. It’s important to communicate to them that you cannot continue to provide these things with a stable mind if they continue down the road that they are on. The other side of this, though, is that you must stand by these ultimatums, or else you will show that you can be manipulated and walked over.
Be there during treatment
Once you get an addict to head to rehab and start a journey towards recovery, it’s important to be there for them every step of the way. In the same way that you had to stand up to the negative behavior that got them there, you must support any and all attempts to get better. During recovery, an individual needs a strong foundation of support to get better. Be that foundation for them.