When someone you care about is battling a drug addiction, you may feel a range of emotions, from worry to frustration to hope. You want to see them reclaim their life and break free from addiction. At the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change, we understand how complex this journey can be for both individuals and their families. Here are some effective ways to support your loved one in a way that promotes real change.
Do Not Enable Their Addiction
One of the most challenging things for family members and friends is finding the line between helping and enabling. Enabling is when well-intentioned actions inadvertently allow addictive behaviors to continue. This might look like:
- Financial support that ends up fueling the addiction, such as covering bills or expenses when you know the money might go to drugs.
- Overlooking harmful behaviors or “letting things slide,” hoping they will eventually resolve on their own.
- Shielding the person from the consequences of their actions, such as not reporting theft or deceitful behavior out of fear for what may happen next.
Enabling often prevents individuals from experiencing the reality of their addiction. These moments of reality, while painful, can be necessary to inspire a decision to seek treatment.
Offer Consistent, Nonjudgmental Support
Knowing that they are cared about can mean the world to someone in the grip of addiction. Show your support through empathy, patience, and understanding. Here are ways you can do this effectively:
- Encourage Treatment: Gently, yet persistently, remind your loved one that there is hope and that they can find help. Avoid criticism or shaming – show instead that you believe in their potential to change.
- Stay Informed: Learn about addiction and the recovery process so that you can understand the challenges they face. This knowledge helps you offer meaningful support and reassures them that they are not alone.
Seek Professional Help Together
Sometimes, simply knowing where to start is the biggest hurdle. The Gibson Center for Behavioral Change offers personalized consultations to help you and your loved one understand the journey ahead. We can discuss treatment options like residential treatment or outpatient care and help you develop a realistic recovery plan.
Supporting someone with an addiction isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful ways you can show love. With understanding, patience, and the right resources, change is possible.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us at the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change. Together, we can help you find a path to healing.