Addiction Affliction: 6 Ways To Help Your Loved One

People can become addicted to almost anything during their lives. It all depends on their personality and their situations. However, nobody wants to see a loved one go through the turmoil of addiction. Maybe your partner uses drugs to make it through the day? Perhaps your mother or father has smoked tobacco their entire lives? There is a lot you can do when someone close to you needs assistance. Even so, you don’t want to get on their back and apply too much pressure. That could drive them away from you and deeper into the clutches of addiction. With all that in mind, there’s some advice on this page you could use. If you approach the issue in the right way, you could help your loved one to turn things around. At the end of the day, they need to make the change, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer support.

 

• Don’t encourage their addiction

 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is supporting their addiction. In many instances, you could do that without even realizing. Buying an alcoholic a bottle of champagne for their birthday is not a sensible move. Taking a drug addict to a rave is just as bad. When you take a holiday abroad, make sure you don’t bring cheap tobacco back for people who smoke. Small changes of that nature can make a big difference. While you don’t want to have a go at your loved one, you also need to make it clear you don’t support their habit. So, look for presents that aren’t related to their problem. Get them some spa tickets or something that could have a positive effect. Maybe you could even purchase some aids that could help them to kick their habit?

 

• Be a good listener

 

There is no point lecturing people who have an addiction. They will switch off, ignore everything you say, and stop listening. That is because they feel like you’re saying they’re a bad person. So, you need to learn how to become a good listener. That is how you will find out more about their problem and discover new ways to help. Take the time to sit down with them and chat about the issues of the day. Let them open up rather than forcing them to have a conversation. Try not to judge your loved one based on anything they say. At the end of the day, they hold a special place in your heart. Make sure they know that. With a bit of luck, your approach should help them to discuss their problem and begin to understand how much it is affecting their life.

• Research the subject

 

It’s vital that you understand the ins and outs of a particular addiction before offering advice. Otherwise, you’ll just sound like another uneducated person who doesn’t know how your loved one is feeling. They probably get enough of that already. So, do yourself a favor and read as much information as possible online. There could be lots of techniques and products that could help them to kick the habit. As it says at Vaporescence.com/pages/teleos, there are many items people could use to stop smoking. The same goes for those with drug and alcohol addictions. The only difference is that you usually have to visit a doctor to gain access to the latter. Increasing your education and understanding all the options will benefit your family member.

 

• Plan activities away from the addiction

 

Distraction is an excellent method for breaking any addiction. If you can keep your loved one occupied for long enough, they might forget about their cravings. So, book some weekends away, purchase some concert tickets, and do your best. When all’s said and done, you just need to make sure the activities are enjoyable for the individual. Maybe you could sit down with them and create a plan for 2017? Ask them about the things they’d like to do and then make the arrangements. Having something to look forward to will also help to boost their mood. Many people with addictions will suffer varying levels of depression. So, anything you can do to get them out of the house is a wise move.

 

 

• Consult your family doctor

 

Taking your loved one to see a doctor is sensible if you think their addiction is reaching new depths. Medical professionals have a conventional understanding of how habits form, and the best ways to break them. They might refer your family member or friend to see a psychologist in some instances. Those experts use savvy techniques to help addicts understand the realities of their lifestyle. They then give them the mental tools needed to make a positive change. There are no guarantees, but psychologists have a high success rate in most instances. You will have to pay for their time, but it’s worth every dime. Dealing with the underlying psychological problems is the first step towards a healthy recovery.

 

• Encourage them to attend rehab

 

Sometimes rehab is the best place for addicts. They get around the clock care from some of the best minds in the industry. There are lots of talking therapies, and most people leave clean having completed a program. However, it’s a big step, and many addicts are terrified of going into such an institution. With that in mind, you should go with them to take a look at local rehab centers. You can ask questions together and try to alleviate any concerns. That should help to make them feel a little more comfortable with the process. When all’s said and done, rehab is the only option if the addiction has continued for many years.

 

Whatever happens during the coming months, we hope your loved one gets their addiction sorted. If you’ve read to the bottom of this page, you’re obviously committed to giving them a helping hand. They are lucky to have someone like you in their lives when so many others don’t. Use the ideas and suggestions we’ve made today to ensure you get the best results possible. Also, try not to become annoyed with the addict. They are ill, and it’s not their fault.