Helping, Not Hurting Someone with Addiction: How to Help a Loved One
When someone you love is battling addiction, it is natural to want to help or fix things by protecting them from harm, shielding them from consequences, and guiding them back to who they once were. It is crucial to understand how to help a loved one with addiction, not just emotionally, but practically.
According to Healthline, it is not always easy to distinguish between empowering and enabling someone, leading many to unintentionally worsen the situation. Many people also find it challenging to discuss their loved one’s substance use, often fearing they might say the wrong thing.
These feelings are common among families and friends dealing with a loved one’s addiction. However, effective support begins with empathy, understanding, and accurate information.
There are constructive methods to approach and assist a loved one, like helping them learn what to bring to drug rehab. Identifying the signs of addiction and knowing when to seek professional help are crucial initial steps in helping your loved one achieve lasting recovery.
How to Help a Partner With Drug Addiction?
Supporting a partner who is struggling with drug addiction can be an emotionally challenging and complex experience. While you can encourage your partner and learn more about how to help them, it is important to understand that you cannot force them to do something they do not want to do, including stopping drug or alcohol abuse or going to rehab.
The first step in helping your partner is to educate yourself about addiction, including its causes, symptoms, and effects, which can help you respond with empathy rather than frustration or judgment.
Open and honest communication is essential, but should be non-confrontational. Express your concern from a place of love and support, steering clear of blame or ultimatums that might drive them away.
Proposing that they consult their doctor or therapist regarding their substance use can be a softer approach to motivating them to seek help, rather than labeling them as people with an addiction in need of rehab. You can even offer to accompany them to the appointment or help them explore treatment options if they are open to it.
Additionally, establishing healthy boundaries is essential for safeguarding your own mental and emotional health. While the desire to help is natural, enabling behaviors, such as covering for them, providing financial support, or making excuses, can prevent your partner from confronting the realities of their addiction.
Recovery is rarely a linear process, and setbacks can occur. Remain supportive while upholding your boundaries, and continue to advocate for treatment and accountability while practicing self-care for people with an addict in the family.
What Are the Signs My Loved One Might Be Struggling With Addiction?
Addiction can manifest in unexpected ways. As noted by VeryWellHealth, the signs of addiction may include various behaviors, some of which are physical symptoms, while others pertain to emotional or mental states.
Initially, the indicators of substance abuse can be quite subtle, but as the addiction deepens, these signs become increasingly difficult to overlook. Recognizing these signs is crucial for providing timely support to those in need.
Here are key indicators to watch for if someone is heading towards addiction:
Behavioral Changes
- Trouble fulfilling obligations or handling responsibilities
- Secretive or deceptive behavior
- Stealing or borrowing money frequently
- Shifts in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Drastic changes in daily routines
Physical Changes
- Rapid weight loss or gain.
- Persistent bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
- Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance
- Frequent nosebleeds or track marks on arms
- Unusual body odors, such as alcohol or chemicals
Mental and Emotional Changes
- Sudden mood swings or irritability
- Heightened or unexplained anxiety, depression, or paranoia
- Difficulty focusing or remembering things
- Periods of unusual energy or extreme lethargy, even nodding off
- Defensiveness when asked about substance use
Social and Work-Related Issues
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changes in friend group, especially if new friends use substances
- Decline in work or school performance
- Frequent absences or tardiness
- Conflict with friends, loved ones, or coworkers
What Not to Say to Someone Who Has an Addiction?
When helping someone dealing with addiction, the language you use is crucial. Even with good intentions, certain expressions can seem judgmental, dismissive, or harmful, potentially driving the person deeper into feelings of shame or isolation.
Here are some phrases to avoid and the reasons they can be hurtful:
- “I know what you’re going through.” – Unless you’ve personally experienced addiction, this can feel dismissive or minimizing.
- “Why can’t you just stop?” – Addiction is a multifaceted medical issue shaped by brain chemistry, trauma, mental health, and environmental factors, not merely a question of willpower. This question oversimplifies the situation and can make the individual feel misunderstood or blamed.
- “You’re just being selfish.” – This statement ignores the reality that addiction often involves loss of control and internal conflict. Labeling someone as selfish can heighten feelings of guilt and diminish their desire to seek help.
- “You have so much to live for, why are you doing this?” – Although intended to motivate, this statement can inadvertently guilt the person, suggesting that their struggle is a personal failure. Most individuals grappling with addiction are already aware of what they stand to lose and require support rather than reminders of their risks.
- “You were doing so well, what happened?” – Relapse can be a normal part of recovery. However, this phrase can make someone feel like a failure and may discourage them from trying again.
When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help for Addiction?
Many individuals struggling with substance abuse often try to quit on their own. While some may succeed, most require professional help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overcoming addiction is more complex than simply resisting the urge to use drugs or alcohol; it often necessitates medication to manage cravings and withdrawal, along with various therapeutic approaches. In some cases, entering a rehabilitation facility may be necessary.
Addiction is a progressive condition that becomes increasingly difficult to treat over time. Even when the situation seems manageable, seeking treatment proactively can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful recovery.
It’s essential to pursue professional assistance when addiction starts to adversely affect a person’s health, relationships, responsibilities, or overall quality of life.
Here are some critical indicators that it’s time to seek help, as well as talk to your employer about going to drug rehab:
- Loss of Control Over Substance Use – Individuals may find themselves using more frequently or in larger quantities than intended, struggling to cut back or stop despite their desire to do so.
- Experiencing Physical or Mental Health Issues – Extended and heavy substance use can lead to serious physical and mental health problems, triggering or exacerbating existing medical or psychological conditions.
- Increased Tolerance and Withdrawal Symptoms – As substance abuse continues, the body may build tolerance, necessitating larger amounts to achieve the same effects. Additionally, individuals may face withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit – The person may have tried to stop multiple times but ultimately returned to substance use, resulting in a cycle of trying to quit and relapsing, which can be disheartening and frustrating.
- Risky Behaviors – Substance use can lead to engaging in hazardous activities, such as driving while impaired, having unprotected sex, or sharing needles. This also includes the continuation of substance use despite negative consequences, such as an overdose.
How to Help a Loved One with Addiction with Rehab from WhiteSands Treatment
If you are struggling with how to help a loved one with addiction, you should know you are not alone. At WhiteSands Treatment, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to break free from addiction and rebuild their lives through rehab programs in Florida.
We recognize the challenges addiction presents and the impact it has on both individuals and their families. Our team of addiction specialists is available around the clock to assist you and your loved one in exploring effective treatment options and obtaining professional help as soon as possible.
If you care about someone who is struggling, the most important step you can take is to reach out for help. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-3470 to learn how to start the journey toward lasting recovery.
External Sources
- Healthline – What Is an Enabler? 11 Ways to Recognize One
- VeryWellMind – Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
