When a loved one is suffering from addiction, it’s hard to know what to do next. Do you just walk away and wait for them to seek help on their own? Do you guide them towards recovery? Or do you provide as much help as they might need to keep them from any possible harm? If you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction, there are a few different options you can consider. Of course, you do need to seek professional advice to ensure that they receive the best treatment possible, this is simply a guide to help you understand your initial options.
4 Options When Someone You Love Is Suffering From Addiction
Start Helping Them Look into Treatment Options
Various treatment programs like the Harris House Foundation are available to help those who suffer from addiction. You can look into all of the options and help your loved one find the right treatment program for them, and you don’t need to wait until they tell you they’re ready.
Instead, you can start looking into the different options today, gathering brochures, and learning about all of the various treatments available so you have pointed to discuss when you bring it up with your loved one. It’s important to approach this topic carefully, but helping them find the right option can encourage them to seek help.
Provide Support Without Enabling Them
It’s possible to provide support for your loved one without enabling them, but it does need to be done carefully. Make sure you set limits for what you’re willing to do to help them and stick with those limits. Protect your home, finances, and life while you’re helping your loved one so you don’t end up suffering because of the assistance you gave.
Take time to listen to them when they need someone to talk to, take time to go over the various treatment options such as rehab or a sober living home, and take time to support them when it’s possible for you to do so. Remember you have two ears and one mouth and to let them express before you speak.
Offer Support from a Distance
In some cases, it might be better to offer support from a distance. If the addiction has led to the person stealing or engaging in risky behaviours, it might not be safe to allow them at your home, especially if you have young children. Instead, make sure to call and check in with them regularly so they know you’re still ready to support them through their recovery. Make sure they have a way to contact you if they need it and let them know you’re ready to talk about their options when they are ready to seek help.
Walk Away from the Relationship
While you don’t want to give up on them, there may be times when it is better to walk away from the relationship. It’s crucial to accurately assess the problem and see what can be done to help your loved one. However, if they act violent or you are at risk at any time you’re with them, for your safety, it may be a better idea to walk away. It still may be possible to provide support from a distance, but there are times when this isn’t going to be a good idea. Instead, walk away from the relationship, but be ready to offer support if they do seek help.
If your loved one is suffering from addiction, there are a few ways to handle the issue and to work to get them the help they need. Use the information here to get an idea of what might be best in your situation so you can remain safe while providing as much support as possible.
