Helping Someone You Love with Drug or Alcohol Addiction

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:

• Bring up your concerns during a safe time when your loved one is sober
• Be honest about how the drinking or drug use has affected your loved one’s life, such as causing job loss, marital problems, or relationship issues with others
• Write down key points you want to bring up before the conversation
• Express your willingness to help in ways you can

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.