There are about 40 million Americans who currently meet the clinical criteria for substance use disorder. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex and progressive disorder that has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. Efforts are being made to address the problem of addiction and recovery for so many people. Sadly, many addicts do not receive treatment because they don’t look for it or they are in denial of even having a substance use problem. These attitudes have to change and everyone must make an effort to bring awareness and healing to the forefront. Too many lives have been lost and too many families and friends are left heartbroken in the aftermath of addiction consequences. Assisting family members and friends of addicts, in their effort to help their loved ones, is an important topic for discussion.  What are the options available to empower the family of an addict? What kind of education is necessary to effectively relate to and help an addict? These and many other questions have to be answered so that we can effectively help our addicted loved ones.

Addiction Heartbreak: What Loved Ones Can Do

Whether it is a child, parent, sibling or other family member, addiction affects the whole family and can bring heartbreak and desolation. Living with an addict is a very challenging situation to be in. There may be some family members who will be tough on an addict and others who will enable the addict to continue in their addiction. Knowledge and wisdom on the subject of addiction will help assist family members on how to approach the addict and different situations. Addicts may lie about their whereabouts and behavior, and try to cover up their addiction with all kinds of excuses. They will try to manipulate family members to get their way, like making-up stories about why they need a loan from you. They may have had an unexpected expense and now they need an advance before their next payday. In truth, they spent all their money on drugs or alcohol and now they are desperate because withdrawal symptoms might be setting in. Many parents cannot bear to see their child going through such a nightmare, and they will advance their loved one the money they need to obtain the drugs or alcohol. There are all kinds of situations where family members may enable the addict, or provoke them with a negative response, which in turn fuels the addiction more.

The first thing that should be done is to have an intervention and convince your loved one to get the help he needs. Once the addict agrees to get help, the family should assist him in obtaining that help whether through a family physician or rehab center. The family should support all efforts to get their loved one off of drugs or alcohol. Other problems should also be addressed, such as co-occurring mental disorders, abuse, neglect or mistreatment, family conflict, money problems, unemployment, legal matters etc. Counseling sessions can help assist family members on how to treat their loved one. Behavioral attitudes are addressed and a more pleasant home environment is sought. If the addict is a child, the parents should set up goals that the child must reach. If the child succeeds in attaining goals then he is rewarded, and if he does not reach the goals the rewards are held back.

How to Help

Family therapy and support are vital elements in the healing of your loved one. Many times substance abuse causes the family dynamic to be thrown off, affecting the addict in a negative way. A healthy family dynamic should be sought to bring harmony and equilibrium back into the family unit. This creates a safe and healthy environment for the addict and the other family members to thrive in. Family therapy addresses many issues such as:

1. Your loved one is still using drugs or alcohol
2. Family members have been affected mentally and physically by the addiction.
3. You want to learn the appropriate ways to respond to your addicted loved one.
4. There are family problems that may be contributing to your loved one’s addiction.

Whatever problems exist within the family can be discussed at family therapy sessions. Individual and group counseling can not only help the addict, but other family members may need it too.  Seeking guidance from addiction specialists will aid the family in effectively handling their loved one and the addiction. Let El Paso Drug Rehab Centers be your recovery resource. Just give our recovery advocates a call today at (915) 206-3656.