It is incredibly difficult to see people you love going through significant health battles or battling addiction. When a loved one faces challenges, it’s natural to want to be the best friend you can be, but it’s not always easy to know what to do or say. If you have a close friend or family member who is dealing with addiction, here are some steps to take.
Understand what addiction means
One of the most important steps you can take when you’re trying to help somebody who has an addiction is to learn as much as possible. Research addictions, understand what being an addict means and find out more about the specific addiction your loved one is fighting. It’s common to have a perception of what people who have addictions look like and to assume that an addiction is something people can get over if they choose to do so, but addiction is very complex. It’s not easy to overcome addiction and anyone can find themselves in a situation where they’ve lost control or become dependent on something, such as alcohol, drugs, gambling or taking prescription medication. Understanding addiction will give you insights into what your loved one is going through and help you support them more effectively.
Explore treatment options
It can be daunting to think about treatment options if you have an addiction. Reaching out and seeking help is often one of the toughest stages of treatment and recovery. Some people who have addictions aren’t even aware that they have reached the point where they need additional help. As a friend, you can help a loved one by exploring treatment options, researching different treatment types and learning more about what addiction treatment looks like. In many cases, the most effective solution is to combine therapies as part of a tailored addiction program. This means receiving expert care and advice alongside targeted treatments, such as talking therapies, counseling and medication. When you approach the subject of getting help, it’s important not to be too forceful. Try to be patient and compassionate. It may take your loved one some time to digest the information and make a decision.
Listen
Effective communication is key to helping people overcome addiction. Communicating well involves both talking and listening. Speaking about how you feel can be cathartic and it’s a positive sign, but it’s essential for people to listen to what the individual who has an addiction is saying. If people choose to open up to you, but you don’t listen, there’s a risk they’ll stop talking. It’s also crucial to let your loved one move at their own pace. Try not to apply too much pressure if they’re not ready to speak to you or they’d rather talk to another friend or somebody they don’t know, for example, a therapist. Opening up can be a scary proposition. It’s also common to feel like you’re burdening others when you talk about your feelings, worries or thoughts. Reassure your friend and let them know that you’ll be there whenever they need you.
Seeing somebody you love battle addiction can be heartbreaking. If your friend or family member is fighting addiction, it’s understandable to want to help as best you can. Positive steps to take include learning more about addiction, exploring treatments and therapies and ensuring you listen to your loved one.
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