Helping a Loved One Get the Addiction Help They Need

Loving someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be stressful, scary, and emotionally draining. You want to save them or fix them, but they have to want to get clean. They need to be in a safe and supportive environment with people that understand what they are going through and can help them through the struggle. 

For many, getting clean and sober means having to walk away from friends and family who are still using. The thought of leaving people or losing friends can be overwhelming and keep people in the prison of addiction. For some, a geographic fix may be very helpful, so finding them a treatment facility that is out of the area will help them to disconnect from the people in their lives that are helping them stay in addiction.

Be a confidant 

If you want to help someone you love that’s struggling with addiction, you need to talk to them earnestly so that they know you’re on their side. Provide them with the assurance that you are there with the love and support they need to make the painful transition from addiction to recovery. This may include talking to other family members and loved ones that are potentially overwhelmed with the problem, and encouraging them to seek help and take the time to learn about recovery.  

Providing them with the knowledge and belief that there are people on their side will provide the recovery capital, they may need to move forward. Once you help them realize there is a better way, you can further help them by getting them connected with the rehabilitation centre. Helping them get connected with other people in recovery also works well to this point. You can find an agency that offers addiction peer support to ensure they are getting guidance from someone with personal experience overcoming addiction.

Get them professional help

Ontario drug rehab centres are well-versed in substance use disorders and have the training and experience to safely help individuals get off of drugs and learn to live without them. Residential treatment centres include one-on-one and group therapy, as well as life skills and practical education on how to resist in a drug-filled environment. 

Connecting the rehabilitation centre, clearing the assessment process, insurance, and any other hoops that need to be jumped through can be daunting for someone struggling to get clean, going through withdrawal, or very new to recovery. Having someone to walk them through the process can make a significant difference in their success. There are also practical concerns like making sure they have a photo I.D., their insurance information, any medications they may need while in treatment, and transportation to the treatment center.

Help carry the load

While it is essential to their recovery that they decide for themselves, you can help them to remove barriers by addressing the reasons they think they aren’t ready for help. For example, someone may say they can’t go away to a treatment centre because they have no one to watch their dog. While it may seem like an excuse, it may be a real concern for them. In that example, offering to watch the dog or find an appropriate boarding facility would work to remove that barrier.

Another way you can help your loved one is by getting help for yourself. You won’t be able to help others if you are so tired and emotionally drained that you aren’t able to practice some self love. There are a wide range of support groups available for those caring for someone with an addiction. These groups will help you to better understand the overall situation and what role you can play.  For more information on the different treatment options available for your loved one struggling with addiction, please visit nuviewtreatment.com.