When your loved one is struggling with substance addiction, it’s not easy on either of you. There can be quick judgments, misunderstandings, and miscommunications as to what you or your loved one wishes to say. By understanding some of the do’s and don’ts of coping with a loved one who struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, you can have a better relationship and help them move towards recovery.

Do Educate Yourself on Addiction

Addiction stems from more than a person’s desire to get high. It can be caused by unaddressed trauma, mental health issues, genetic predispositions, and a number of other factors. By educating yourself on the causes of addiction and the effects it has on a person, you can better relate to the struggle your loved one is going through without preconceived notions or judgments.

Don’t Ignore Them

Once you are educated about addiction, you will likely be able to recognize some of the common signs of substance abuse. When this is the case, don’t ignore your loved one’s battle with addiction. Sometimes, you may find yourself ignoring their addiction because you are in denial about it or because you don’t want to deal with the difficult steps that must be taken to help them take steps towards recovery. But the sooner you accept and address your loved one’s problem, the sooner they can get the help they need.

Do Offer Assistance

Recovery from substance abuse doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of effort from a person who is struggling to change their life and escape the hold drugs or alcohol has over them. That journey may be less difficult for them if you offer assistance. From kind words to being a sober friend, a little help goes a long way.

Don’t Enable Them

The only thing worse than ignoring your loved one’s addiction problem is enabling it. From giving them money to fuel their addiction to lying for them to hide the problem, enabling will only make them fall deeper into the hole of substance abuse.

When you or your loved one is ready to take the first step toward addiction recovery, look no further than Silver Ridge. Our staff includes highly experienced professionals with dual mental health and substance use licensing, including an ASAM-certified addiction psychiatrist and an addiction-trained primary care physician. To get the help you need, contact us today.