How to Support Someone Who Has Addiction Issues ?
Addiction or substance abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide.According to data from the National Drug Use and Health Survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 23.5 million adults in the United States are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Additionally, only 10% of these millions will receive the necessary treatment to begin their recovery.
If you have a loved one or family member who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you are all too familiar with the suffering and anxiety that accompany loving someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.You want them to get help so they can get the professional treatment they need and start the recovery process.
Reasons Your Loved One May Be Reluctant to Seek Professional Assistance Getting professional assistance for an alcohol or drug abuse problem is typically easier said than done. People who are addicted, whether to alcohol or another substance, frequently deny their condition.They are unable to admit that they require assistance, let alone to a loved one or family member.
They might be afraid to enter a professional treatment program and stop drinking or using drugs.It can be extremely frightening for someone who has developed an addiction to a substance to consider living without it. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is a common practice among people with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.It is too much to bear to face life, fears, and past traumas without it. Additionally, the SAMHSA reports that approximately 7.7 million adult Americans suffer from both substance use disorders and mental health issues.
In addition, many people worry that they will be judged incorrectly if they seek alcohol or drug abuse treatment. The stigma of addiction persists despite recent advances in understanding and treating it.Many people believe that addicts are morally reprehensible or weak. In addition, people who are seeking treatment for an addiction to alcohol or drugs may be concerned about how others will perceive them.They might be concerned about the stigmas that are associated with having a mental health disorder that they also have.
The recovery process and withdrawal symptoms There may also be concerns about going through withdrawal and experiencing the sometimes very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that are associated with both drug and alcohol addiction.Due to the difficulty of the withdrawal symptoms, individuals who are attempting to stop using alcohol or drugs on their own frequently relapse during the withdrawal period.This is one reason it’s important to get professional addiction treatment at a center with a detox program.A detox program that is supervised by a doctor can help the person safely get through this difficult part of the recovery process.
Alcoholism, drug addiction, and treatment programs If you suspect that a member of your family or loved one is abusing alcohol or drugs, you naturally want to assist them.Talking to the staff of a reputable addiction treatment center is an excellent first step.Our caring admissions staff at Caron can assist you in determining the best next steps to take to assist your loved one.There are a variety of treatment programs, including residential, inpatient, and outpatient options.It’s important to find the right one for your loved one.
And while it’s normal to be very focused on getting professional help for a loved one or family member, it’s just as important to take care of yourself.Addiction affects more than just the problem-solver. Family and friends frequently suffer greatly.It can be essential for your own well-being to join support groups like Alanon or Celebrate Recovery or even seek the assistance of a mental health professional for yourself.
The truth is that your loved one is ultimately responsible for seeking assistance, no matter how much you may wish otherwise. While working as hard as you can, it’s critical to take care of yourself.
Helpful Resources
Illinois Addiction Treatment Center
