Coping With A Loved One With Addiction: 7 Tips

Are You Coping With A Loved One With Addiction?

The family of a person struggling with an addiction can be his or her largest support group. The problem for many is the bridges they have built between themselves and family members. Lies, stealing, and impossible behavior make it difficult to trust again. But when it is someone you love, it is possible.

Coping With A Loved One With Addiction: 7 Tips

When coping with a loved one with addiction, it’s important to understand that his or her problem is a disease. Knowing how to deal with your loved one may help you get him or her into a treatment program before too much damage occurs to the body and brain. The following tips will be helpful as you navigate this challenge with your loved one.

1. Safety First – It’s important to know that your loved one poses no physical threat to his or her family. If your loved one has displayed erratic or aggressive behavior, you must put the safety of your family first. If it is no longer safe to have this person living in your home, you may need to get help to have him or her move out.
2. Educate Yourself – Learn everything you can about addiction, and how it affects the brain. If you know what substances are being misused, you should also learn about their symptoms and side effects. Use online resources, libraries, government websites, and attend meetings (Nar-Anon) for families with addicted loved ones.
3. Stay Involved – Have sit-down suppers, family dinners on the weekend, game nights, and Saturday night movie parties with popcorn and soft drink. Invite your loved one to participate in lots of family fun to help him or her see that they are loved, valued, and missed.
4. Do Not Enable – When coping with a loved one with addiction, it’s very easy to feel sorry for him or her and make excuses for any bad behavior. Don’t fall into the trap of enabling by loaning money, making excuses when he or she doesn’t want to go to work, or covering up when they steal money or drugs from another family member.
5. Suggest Treatment – Encourage your loved one to get treatment, and assure them of your support throughout. If they resist, and are in a critical situation, you may need to attempt an intervention. If you choose this route, get professional help to conduct it.
6. Don’t Expect Miracles – If you are able to get your loved one to enter a treatment facility, it will still take time for him or her to be restored mentally and physically. The addiction has been addressed, but recovery takes time and lots of support. It’s also possible for someone to relapse when they are under stress. When that happens, they should not be judged, but helped to get right back on track with their recovery.
7. Don’t Neglect Yourself – During this time, be sure you get exercise, good nutrition, adequate rest, and some personal time for yourself. You can’t help anyone if you get rundown physically and mentally.

How To Deal With A Loved One’s Drug Addiction

If your loved one recognizes his or her need for help, contact a WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Center. Treatment centers are located in Fort Myers FL and Tampa FL at can be reached by calling (877) 855-3470. Once you know how to deal with a loved one’s drug addiction, it will be easier to help him or her as they go through recovery. WhiteSands has an excellent staff comprised of board-certified doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and addiction specialists. All the staff members share the goal of getting your loved one off of drugs and into a positive and healthy recovery.

Helping A Loved One With Addiction

People who find themselves in the position of helping a loved one with addiction understand the many challenges it presents. Sometimes you are justifiably angry, and other times you find yourself frightened for the person you love. Headlines are full of accidental overdose death stories, and that brings renewed worries to the family of an addict. Your support and encouragement is the best gift to give when helping a loved one with addiction. Let them know you will be there for them as they go through detox, rehab, and recovery.

Call WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Centers at (877) 855-3470. They will assess your loved one’s needs, both physically and mentally, and provide a personalized rehab program. Every day you wait is a day closer to a possible overdose. Make the call today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.