Addiction has long been thought of as something that affects the whole family. This means friends and family members of those battling addiction and in recovery also need support.
In some cases, the addict’s family or friends may help cheer the addict up rather than helping the addict themselves. Often, family members do not insist that the addict receive treatment, instead they ignore the problem and try to push the person away.
A variety of treatment approaches are possible when considering. How to support friends and family Return members through recovery at places like Palm Beach Institute.
Common physical signs of addiction include:
- Tolerance: The need to increase the amount of a substance or increase participation in a behavior to achieve the desired effect.
- withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a substance or behavior is stopped or reduced.
- Increase in consumption: A marked increase in the frequency or amount of drug use or addictive behavior.
- Neglect of responsibility: Decreased ability to meet personal, professional, and educational obligations due to addiction.
- Out of control: Repeated and unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control drug use or addictive behavior.
- If you continue to use it despite adverse effects: Persistence of addiction despite experiencing negative physical, emotional, social, or legal consequences.
- Physical changes: Visible physical changes that can occur due to drug abuse (such as weight gain or loss, changes in skin color, bloodshot eyes, poor personal hygiene, etc.).
- Changes in sleep patterns: Sleep disorders due to insomnia, hypersomnia, or addiction.
- Changes in appetite: A significant increase or decrease in appetite can cause weight changes.
- Neglected self-care: There is often a lack of self-care and personal grooming due to the focus on obtaining and using substances.
- Trembling or trembling: Physical tremors or tremors. It may be most noticeable during withdrawal.
- Health problems: The emergence of health problems related to the substance or behavior, such as lung problems in smokers, liver damage in heavy drinkers, and malnutrition in people with eating disorders.
- Track mark or injection site: People who are addicted to intravenous drugs will have visible marks on their skin from needle injections.
- Poor coordination and slurred speech: Impairment of motor skills or speech due to the influence of substances such as alcohol or drugs.
- Changes in eye appearance: Dilated or constricted pupils, bloodshot eyes, or abnormal eye movements due to drug use.
Why is it so important to have supportive family and friends?
When determining which approach is best for your family, it’s important to understand your family’s dynamics. If you don’t take that into account, your loved one’s rehabilitation may not be successful. It is important to remember that addiction is powerful.
When a family member struggles with addiction, there is almost always a problem with communication. This is usually the first place to approach treatment. This is a positive investment in your family. It can help families through their journey of recovery and self-awareness.
Moreover, next to basic physiological needs and safety needs, social needs are equally important. Even after recovery, addicts have difficulty socializing.
They may feel like they belong to a social group, but they still cannot communicate. Only the circle of friends you know will help you gradually overcome the situation and eventually gain self-confidence.
Things to consider when supporting addicts in recovery
As a family member or friend of an addict, there are several things to consider. If someone in your family is an addict, there are some steps you can take to help them.
- Don’t enable the addict’s behavior by excusing or covering up their behavior while using drugs.
- You can’t try to protect them from the consequences of their actions.
- Do not bribe, threaten, punish, or lecture your family members. This will not help them recover from their addiction.
- You don’t want to be a martyr. I don’t want to appeal to the addict’s emotions. This can make a person feel guilty and force them to use more drugs.
- We should not assume the responsibility of the addict. This may ensure that it does what it’s supposed to do, but it doesn’t solve the problem. Not only that, the person may feel like they are unimportant or have lost their dignity.
- Do not hide or throw away drugs.
- When you are high on drugs, do not try to discuss or argue with the person. This will not give you good results.
Stay caring and involved after recovery
The harsh reality is that addiction is a chronic disease and there are no quick fixes. Recovery usually takes a long time. Even after your loved one successfully completes inpatient or outpatient treatment, the healing process must continue when they return home.
Therefore, to motivate the individual, the whole family may need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This often includes an environment free of alcohol or any type of addiction.
Ultimately, having a stable and healthy atmosphere in your home will help you stay sober. As a result, it is less likely to collapse after recovery.
Additionally, recovered patients may remain isolated to avoid embarrassment upon returning home. Constant support and concern from close friends and family can encourage them and encourage sobriety. There is no doubt that for long-term recovery, the most important thing is the support of people who are wholehearted and closed-minded.
find support for yourself
Even if your family member is in an outpatient program, they will continue to have contact with you and may live in your home. You will be watching them as they work towards recovery. There are classes and programs you can take on your own or with a family member in recovery.
Additionally, if your family member is in an inpatient program, they will be away from you for an extended period of time. This will give you time to go through your own sessions and work through any anger or bitterness you may be feeling as a result of your loved one’s actions while on drugs.
Plus, it’s great to help your loved one rebuild their life. However, this journey can be stressful and exhausting at the same time. Families should not be disappointed, especially if they relapse during or after recovery. Therefore, it is recommended that you join a support group or seek professional help.
The last word
Recognizing the contributing factors will help you understand how to support addicts. Constant support, love and encouragement from family and friends is the only key to getting better quickly.
Encourage your loved one to live a healthy life by exercising, meditating, participating in sports, and more. Addiction can be a family disease, but remember that recovery is a whole family process.
About the author:
Erin Hogan, a former football coach and current full-time industry marketing manager for Buzzdrip, has been blogging and ghost blogging for the past five years. He loves traveling and hiking. Follow him on his Twitter account for recommendations for your next trip.
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