How to Help a family member with Addiction
If you are having a medical emergency or addiction crisis call 911.
Being unable to stop taking a drug even if you want to or if the urge to use drugs is too strong for you to control, you might be addicted. Fortunately, there is a treatment for drug addiction.
If you think you may be addicted asking for help is the first step to recovery. It takes courage to seek help and admit when there is a problem. It is not an easy process to treat a drug problem because of the strong effects it has on behavior. However, treatment works and there are people who recover from addiction every day. Fortunately, there are multiple options when looking for help with addiction. First, you can visit your doctor. They may be able to discuss drug use screening and treatment with you. Secondly, you can pursue substance use treatment. There are many options for treatment centers. These options include outpatient and inpatient treatment.
I Don’t Want to Stop Taking Drugs Because I Have Depression
Taking drugs due to depressed feelings may mean you need to find treatment for both addiction and depression. This is not uncommon. When talking with your providers it is very important, to be honest with them about everything you are experiencing. If you decide to pursue treatment the medical professionals trained to keep patients safe throughout the detox process. Drugs hinder the abilities you need to be able to stay in and complete treatment.
I Have Been in Rehab Before, Should I Try Again?
Fortunately, those who have been through treatment before have gained the knowledge and learned the skills they need to recover from their addiction. Trying again does not mean that your initial treatment has failed. Addiction is a chronic condition, much like asthma or heart disease. If those suffering from a chronic disease stop following their plan for medical treatment relapse is highly likely. Relapse should not discourage you from trying to change. It does not mean you have failed, it may mean that your treatment needs to be adjusted or restarted.
If you are ready to try again give us a call. We are here to help you get back on track. Call today to talk to one of our experts, and start your life towards sobriety.
Where Can I Find Support?
There are multiple self-help groups that exist to support those with substance use disorders. These groups are not an alternative option for treatment. They are typically a supplement to a medical treatment plan. Additionally, many treatment programs urge patients to use these groups during, and even after their treatment is complete. Some of the most common public groups are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous, and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). These are twelve-step programs that provide support from a community of others who have experienced similar things. They also assist in providing encouragement for those in treatment to remain in recovery.
Someone I Love Is Having an Addiction Crisis
If a loved one is having a medical or addiction crisis call 911.
Addiction is treatable and affects millions of people across the country. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you or a loved one is struggling. Addiction is when an individual cannot control the urge to consume drugs or alcohol, even if they know it is causing harm.
It can be overwhelming and difficult when you worry about someone you love. It can be hard to know how to help them. However, there are multiple resources available to those who want to support a loved one going through an addiction crisis. This process can be broken down to make it more manageable. This can help those who are affected by someone’s addiction go through their options for getting that individual the help they need. The individual may not want to participate or feel ready to get help at first but these options can still assist.
How Can I Help Someone With an Addiction?
First, you can talk with your primary care doctor. Be honest with them about your loved one’s drug and alcohol use. This is very important. Without being fully honest with your doctor they will not be able to properly assess the condition of your loved one or be able to connect you with the proper support. It is important to realize that not all doctors are comfortable with treating substance use disorders. If your doctor is not comfortable they should refer you to another doctor with training in addiction medicine. Speaking with a medical professional is one of the first steps you can take in order to get professional help and resources.
Talking with a medical professional about your loved one’s drug and alcohol use can be intimidating. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to ensure the conversation is productive. These questions can help you make an informed decision on if they are the right person to provide care for a substance use disorder.
- Do you have experience working with individuals with substance use disorders? If so, how much experience do you have?
- Do you have the ability to complete a test to determine if they have a substance use disorder?
- Are there addiction treatment providers that you work with that you can refer patients to?
- After referral, will you continue coordinating their care with a specialist?
If you want to help someone that is suffering from addiction call us today. Our team will help you figure out what the best form of treatment is for your loved one. Let us help you help them start their new life.
What Can I Do for Myself?
Taking care of yourself during this challenging time should be your top priority. If you do not take care of yourself you will not be fully able to assist your loved one.
Talk with a family member, trusted friend, or acquaintance. Choose an individual in your life you feel comfortable being open with. Think if there are any people in your life who have experienced addiction in their own life and maybe willing and able to support you. Having somebody who understands what you are going through makes a large impact on your feelings about handling the situation. Also, having someone who you can confide in will be extremely helpful during this time in your life.
Another option for you and even children who are affected are support groups. For example, Al-anon and Alateen are two well-known support groups. These are twelve-step programs focused on those affected by alcohol or drug abuse. They can help your understanding of your loved one’s addiction. They can also teach you healthy ways to deal with what is going on in your life.
How can I help if they go into treatment?
If a loved one or family member goes into treatment speaking with their treatment provider can help you find out how to best support them. This may not be possible if your loved one does not give the provider permission to speak with you. Every patient needs different types of support. Offering as much love and support as you can while your loved one is following their treatment plan is a great way to show them you are there for them. Once they complete their treatment it will be challenging for them to re-join society. Helping and encouraging your loved one to avoid their triggers can help them prevent relapse. Unfortunately, those who have been addicted to drugs must use the skills and information they learned in treatment to get through their struggle on their own. If your friend or family member relapses, you should encourage continued treatment.
If you, or someone you love, are ready to go get treatment call us today. We have a list of treatments and are here to help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.
A Loved One Is Having an Addiction Crisis and I Feel Unsafe
Addiction can cause the emotions and actions of a person to change drastically. An individual who is usually clear-minded and rational can suddenly become violent and unreasonable. In fact, drug and alcohol addictions are most likely to be associated with addiction-related violence. This change in a loved one can not only be frightening but dangerous to those around them.
Multiple studies have been conducted that show substance use disorders are not the cause of domestic violence. However, substance abuse and domestic violence often take place at the same time. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 61 percent of abusers have a drug or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, addiction can make abuse become increasingly violent. This can result in injuries to those being abused becoming more severe. Addicts can become violent towards spouses or children. Likewise, the individual may commit violent crimes due to intoxication or to make money to pay for their habits
What Should I Do?
It is difficult to know what to do in a violent situation. Oftentimes, fear and other emotions take front and center during these times. If a person is experiencing violence from an addict the most important thing that they can do is remove themselves and any children from the situation. This may be hard to do if you love the addict. However, staying in the home or relationship is dangerous. Addiction can cause the user to have impaired judgment. For this reason, leaving the situation even though you may love the person is the best choice to stay safe. By ensuring that you and any children involved are not around the addict they will not be able to cause any physical harm.
Where Can I Go?
Fortunately, leaving the situation will not leave those affected by violence without any support. There are shelters and safe houses that are located in many cities that have the sole purpose of assisting women and children who are victims of abuse. These places may have counselors available who can speak with the victim about the abuser and their substance use. Additionally, there are crisis centers and hotlines that specialize in domestic abuse. Many of these hotlines you can call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. One of these hotlines is the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If addiction becomes violent it is important to remove yourself and loved ones from the situation. Help should be found for the victims and the addict in order to fix the situation and mend the relationships.
A safe house, shelter, or crisis center is not a legal resource. The information shared with individuals at this location will not be reported and will remain confidential. For legal assistance, you or a family member can contact local law enforcement to file a report.
If you are concerned for a loved one call us today. Our team of professionals is here to help. Let us guide you to a better life today.
How Can I Help a Family Member Who Is Being Abused?
Reporting can be done by a family member who knows someone who is affected by violence. They can contact local law enforcement or a child welfare agency. Furthermore, laws that pertain to domestic violence vary depending on the state and municipality. In some cases, a violent episode will be classified as “domestic abuse” and in others classified as “assault.” If you are abusing drugs, or are concerned for a friend or family member, don’t hesitate to reach out to us now. We will help you begin a happy and healthy life as soon as possible.
