According to recent studies, around 22 million U.S. citizens are addicts while merely 10% have reached out for help. Addiction comes in many forms, be it alcohol, opioids, or other drugs. It is more common than you think, and even your loved ones may succumb to addiction at one point in their lives.
Indubitably, it is hard to see someone close to you suffer alone in silence, while you cannot lift a finger to help them. However, you can play an active role in helping them get treatment and recover.
So, if you think that someone you know might have an addiction problem, just read the following tips.
Confirm your suspicions
Before you get ahead of yourself and start thinking about the worst-case scenario, you need to make sure that your loved one actually has an addiction problem. If they are shiftier than usual or appear more anxious, that does not necessarily mean that they abuse drugs. Life is already stressful, so do not jump to conclusions. Instead, look for solid evidence.
Sometimes, there are tell-tale signs of addiction like red eyes or track marks. According to British rehab specialists, cocaine addiction, in particular, has definitive signs, so you can check this out to identify the symptoms. Generally, though, you might notice that cocaine addicts are bubblier and chattier than usual. They may even become violent if they do not get their next dose. On the other hand, if you are suspecting opioid addiction, then try to notice how quickly they refill their prescription. In any case, you must be 100% sure of what you are dealing with before confronting the person.
Confront the person
Once you have solid evidence that your loved one is battling addiction, it is time to confront them. At this stage, your motto should be “tread carefully” because you do not want them to lash out or just flat out deny it. The best thing you can do is to prepare yourself for this confrontation. Steer away from negative language, and try to be supportive. Of course, you and the other person should be able to trust each other to take this step. If you are not there yet, then it is not the right time to confront them, as you should build trust between you first.
Moreover, never use ultimatums to provoke the other person to seek treatment, as this is considered emotional manipulation. Lend them a sympathetic ear, assuring them that you support them all the way.
Give options
Going to rehab is not easy, so it completely makes sense that an addict might be on the fence about it. This is exactly why you need to offer various options to entice them to seek treatment. Get a list of the most professional facilities you can find online, and preferably, find ones that are close to their home because you want it to be a smooth transition. Next, if they have financial problems or cannot afford rehab, you can try to lend them some money or contact other friends and relatives to cover the treatment expenses.
Nonetheless, rehab has acquired a bad name, so some addicts may prefer therapy instead. Thus, make sure that this remains on the table as well. A licensed therapist can be a good alternative if your friend, relative, or significant other does not want to be admitted.
Be there for their treatment journey
Recovering from an addiction is a marathon, not a sprint, so you need to continually support your loved one. If they agree to go to rehab, visit them often because isolation can hinder their recovery. On the other hand, if they want to seek therapy, ask their therapist if it is possible to attend the sessions with them. Also, do not push the person to tell you about their treatment or how they feel about it; simply asking them every once in a while should do the trick. The bottom line is, do not be incessant about it because they might recoil and stop talking about the whole thing.
Finally, after your loved one successfully recovers from their addiction, keep a close eye on them. A relapse can happen at any moment if you are not careful. So, encourage them to continue their therapy sessions, and set a good example by not indulging in drugs, alcohol, and so on.
Your hands are never tied; by offering support and treatment options, you can save your nearest and dearest from the grip of addiction. So, if you suspect that something might be up, you need to confirm your suspicions, confront the person, encourage them to seek treatment, and support their recovery. In no time, your loved one will be free of their addiction and lead a healthy life.
