Family Support
Family Support. Substance abuse issues can bring unforeseen and draining pressures to families and friends. When a family member struggles with drug or alcohol use, it can significantly disrupt everyday life. Often, that individual may try to manipulate or deny the seriousness of their situation in an attempt to shield their loved ones from the reality of their addiction.
Coping with drug addiction in the family
Dealing with drug addiction within the family can impact everyone involved. Living with an addict can be incredibly draining, and family members often find themselves conflicted about how to handle a loved one’s addiction while also trying to avoid being drawn into the addict’s lifestyle. In this helpful and informative blog, Rehab Spain, specialists in private rehab and drug rehabilitation, explore ways to manage drug addiction in the family and how to support a family member struggling with addiction.
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For those nearest to the person battling addiction, feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame often arise. These emotions, which are completely normal, can perpetuate a cycle of negative coping strategies. It can be a painful and isolating journey. However, it’s essential to recognise that you are not accountable for another person’s addiction or actions. It may seem counterintuitive for a family affected by addiction to seek help for themselves, but by taking care of your own needs, you are sending a strong message to the addict that positive change is possible.
What to do with a drug addicted family member?
Regardless of the circumstances, you should never assist or enable your loved one in obtaining drugs or supporting their addictive behaviour. Even if they plead with you, it’s important to stay firm and learn to say no. Keep in mind that addiction can affect anyone, and although it may be painful, the addict in your family likely does not intend to cause harm to others.
In contrast, addiction frequently indicates that an individual is experiencing internal struggles and requires assistance. Steer clear of situations that may tempt them to use drugs or consume alcohol, and refrain from placing them in uncomfortable scenarios where they might feel the urge to “escape” through substance use later. Most importantly, try not to hold yourself accountable for a loved one’s addiction. While it’s natural to be concerned, the final choice to pursue recovery rests with them.
How can you support a family member dealing with drug addiction?
Even if your family member grappling with addiction is unwilling to seek therapy or rehabilitation, it’s crucial for you to seek help when necessary. Living with an addict can be incredibly exhausting and stressful, and numerous organisations exist to assist family members in managing such situations.
Attempt to comprehend what may have led to the addiction and the reasons behind it. Gaining this understanding can empower you to offer better support and show more compassion towards your loved one. Establish boundaries that everyone agrees upon. The purpose of these boundaries is to enhance the overall health of the family, but they should never be used as a means to punish or shame.
The three C’s of addressing drug addiction
As much as you might desire, there is no straightforward method to help someone achieve recovery from addiction. When you care for someone who has altered their behaviour due to their addiction, it can be tempting too long for the person they used to be in the life you once shared. However, it may be that the previous life contributed to the addiction. It is much healthier to forge a new space and a fresh life together—one free from addiction—where everyone can coexist.
Always keep in mind…
You didn’t cause the addiction.
You can’t control the addiction.
You can’t cure the addiction.
The appropriate help, at the right moment
Whether it involves an intervention, private rehabilitation, or specialised addiction counsellors, there are numerous avenues to seek assistance, and Rehab Spain can support you with this. Tel: 07811 606 606