There have been countless times where a family member has supported another’s addiction without even realizing it. Although it is not easy, letting them experience the consequences of their harmful habit can do some good. Sometimes, addicts are not accustomed to changing and won’t until they have to or are forced to do so.
Do not financially support the addict or their addiction. Ways this has been seen to happen include:
Buying Groceries
Offering to pay court or attorney fees
Covering rent and other living expenses
Providing transportation
Bailing out of any other tough situations
Unfortunately, these seemingly selfless, caring, and loving acts will typically prolong their addiction. This happens with the opportunity of always being given to avoid the consequences and eliminates accountability.
Of the individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the hefty majority7 of them cannot merely quit using all of a sudden. It is proven to be significantly challenging to overcome, even short-term addictions.
As time passes with an addiction, there are a variety of changes to the brain’s chemistry8 that gets altered as a result of the abuse. Many of these changes brain changes work to overpower any addiction recovery efforts that are being pursued and, instead, encourage more substance abuse behaviors.
It is crucial to know and thoroughly understand that the addiction your loved one is suffering from is not your fault. Being helpful and supportive is beneficial, but the decision to get clean through a certified treatment center like Opus Treatment in Costa Mesa9 is ultimately up to the user.
If the person agrees to enroll in an addiction recovery program, it is encouraged for loved ones to continue and be involved in the recovery process10. Just sending them off and assuming that everything will go well is not an option worth being considered. The ongoing love and support from friends, family members, and other loved ones is vital.
While they are in the treatment facility, visiting often and sending or dropping off packages can show a great deal of support and ease some of the burdens being experienced. It is encouraged for the family to participate in programs and group sessions so that crucial bonding skills can be developed together.11
By doing these things, you convey a willingness to be a good and healthy influence throughout their recovery. The involvement of loved ones and their support has proven time and time again to provide feelings of comfort and safety12 to those receiving treatment.
Hearing lectures or other’s life lessons is never helpful to a struggling addict. Usually, they will be unable or not willing to take what you are saying to heart and apply it in their life.
Although challenging, holding them accountable and offering the appropriate help and guidance is often precisely what they need. You cannot expect those you want to help to keep their promises, and the disease makes that nearly impossible.
Take the first step by filling out the form below. All form submissions are 100% confidential and your policy could cover the compete cost of treatment.
Opus Health is different than other drug & alcohol treatment centers in Orange County, California. We believe in the full-integrated recovery of each individual.
We specialize in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), psychological & psychiatric care, daily doctor’s visits, and ongoing support from staff. We ensure each patient in our care has the chance to see a full recovery from beginning to long-term sobriety.
Our Costa Mesa Rehab Center can help you recover from addiction.