Drug or alcohol addiction can have a significant impact on families. Drugs and alcohol can quickly take over a person’s life, leading them to damage their relationships with loved ones, struggle financially, and turn to unhealthy outlets to deal with life problems. Loved ones can often serve as a lifeline for those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
If you are watching a loved one struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, there are ways you can help. While those facing addiction must make any individual decision to seek treatment, we support your role and connection to your loved ones. The team of compassionate professionals at Hickory House Recovery in Greenfield, IN wants to help you in any way we can.
Sadly, many people do not seek the help they need for drug or alcohol addiction until a loved one urges them. When someone you love is struggling with substance addiction, you may be the one to help them make a meaningful, life-changing difference. According to a Gallup research study, one in three people say that alcohol has been a problem in their family. Many others struggle when their loved one is taking illegal drugs or misusing prescription medications.
Helping your loved one seek treatment may help avoid many issues that drugs or alcohol can cause, such as:
Learn more about how you can help your loved one on their path to recovery by contacting Hickory House Recovery in Greenfield, Indiana today. We value loved one’s support and encourage you to reach out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling toll free 800-604-2117
People can become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. Physical signs and symptoms of drug or alcohol use can include:
Behavioral signs of drug or alcohol addiction include:
If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, contact us at 800-604-2117. The road to recovery begins with a phone call.
It can be very challenging and stressful to find out a loved one may have a drug or alcohol problem. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can help someone with drug or alcohol addiction, including:
Express Your Concern – Remember that you could be the positive connection in your loved one’s life that helps them to seek the treatment they need. The sooner they receive treatment, the sooner their life can improve. Bring up your concerns in a loving way. Let your loved one know that you love them and are concerned about them. Often, people with drug or alcohol problems suffer from low self-esteem and depression. They may feel isolated and like no one cares. This gentle reminder may help them better understand that their drinking or drug use has become a problem. Here are some tips to help make this be a productive conversion:
Even if the conversation doesn’t go as planned, be glad that you have planted a seed in your loved one’s mind. This could be a life-saving moment, even if you don’t know it yet.
Offer to Help Look for Treatment – It can be overwhelming for someone who is dealing with a drug or alcohol problem to look for treatment options. Help by offering to assist with this review. You may be able to call a helpline, talk to your loved one’s healthcare provider, or consult with a mental health professional about options. We find many of the inquiries we receive are from family members, colleagues, friends or loved ones just like you, who care enough to take the first step toward another’s recovery.
At Hickory House Recovery, we welcome and encourage your loved one’s involvement during your treatment program. As part of our approach, any adult you identify as a primary source of positive support can participate in a therapy session with you and your assigned therapist. This usually takes place midway through your stay. This time allows for the therapist to focus on your individual needs before introducing a new dynamic. This time is used to address negative behaviors that may not be healthy for the relationship as well as educate your loved one on the disease. It also serves as an opportunity to establish accountability and support for you upon program completion.
Be Empathetic – Too often, people blame addicts for their problems. They may fail to recognize the issues that led to the drug or alcohol problem or believe that it is all their fault. Addiction is a disease. Approach your loved one with empathy. Don’t judge them, even if you don’t agree with their choices. The more your loved one sees you listening and that you care, the more likely they will be to listen to you.
Seek Mental Health Counseling – Approximately nine million people suffer from a co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder. Your loved one may be suffering from a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety, that makes it more difficult for them to seek treatment for their drug or alcohol problem. Receiving treatment for these conditions could help them recognize they need other help, too. You can also offer to attend therapy with your loved one.
Don’t Attempt an Intervention without Professional Assistance
Interventions can be effective, but they must be led by a professional. Things can easily get out of hand when a group of people try to confront someone with a drug or alcohol problem. Seek assistance from a professional before attempting an intervention.
If you have questions or need guidance, call us at 800-604-2117. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are happy to provide the guidance you need to help your loved one find the road to recovery.
Be Patient
Recovery is a process. Do not expect instant changes after a single conversation. Be patient and continue loving your loved one. Your continued support will mean a lot and can make a huge difference.
Call for a Professional Assessment
You can learn more about addiction and how you can help when you call Hickory House Recovery toll free at 800-604-2117 for professional assistance. We provide free tours so you and your loved one can explore the facilities, show off our complementary therapies like art, music, yoga, and meditation, and give you a sense of our treatment center. Your loved one can see that our rooms are semi-private suites that are more like hotel rooms than hospital rooms, fully equipped with mounted televisions and mini fridges. We find that these tours often dispel some of the fears that people seeking treatment have and put them at ease. We can also verify insurance coverage so your loved one knows what will be covered when they make the decision to seek treatment.
Drugs and alcohol affect more than just the person using them. They affect friends, family members, spouses, neighbors, and coworkers. Here are some ways that you can cope if your loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction:
Take Care of Yourself – You can’t help others if you are not well yourself. Family and friends of those with substance abuse disorders may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. Take care of your own mental health and get help if you need it. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Don’t neglect your own health because you are trying to take care of someone else.
Join a Support Group – One of the best ways that loved ones can take care of themselves is to join a support group. Talking to other people about what you are going through can help normalize it and make you feel understood.
Set Boundaries – Establish with yourself what you are not willing to put up with. This is different for everyone, but some examples could include:
At Hickory House Recovery, we believe in the importance of involving loved ones during treatment. When family or loved ones become an active participant, recovery success is substantially increased. We are proud to include family therapy as one of our key recovery programs and welcome any adult who you consider a positive support system to join you for a therapy session. Our family therapy program is unique and offers positive, proven results and encourage everyone to participate.
Led by licensed clinical director, Scott Wilson, who has more than 40 years of experience in adult substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment, our focus is on holistic recovery. We want your loved one’s treatment and recovery to be a success and work closely with them to optimize results.
Contact us online today or by calling 800-604-2117 for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about our services or schedule a tour of our facilities.
We are happy to answer all your questions and concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hickory House Recovery is located in Greenfield, IN., and we are proud to serve Greenfield, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Bloomington, Dayton and all surrounding areas. We look forward to helping you and your loved one. Help is just a call away.
