Overcoming addictions can be very challenging, but it’s easier with your support; hence it is highly essential to know the best way to provide help to an addict. When dealing with addicts, there are certain dos and don’ts you need to know. For instance, you must be careful not to impose your beliefs on them.
Drug addiction is one of the most common types of addiction. This is why we have decided to focus on it in this post. Here, we will be educating readers on how to get drug addiction help and provide necessary support during the process.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Being able to identify drug addicts is the first step in providing help to them. There are certain symptoms peculiar to drug addicts. These symptoms include the following:
- They buy the drug even when it is not affordable.
- They use the drug in excess quantities and over a longer period than prescribed.
- They neglect work responsibilities or meetings and cut off social activities.
- They are unable to discontinue drug use, even though negative effects are obvious.
- Their physical appearance changes. You may notice an unusual discoloration of their eyes or lips.
Steps Involved in Helping an Addict
Helping an addict is not a one-size-fits-all; however, there are certain steps that can make the process less challenging. The following are the steps involved in helping an addict:
Have a good knowledge of addiction
It is easier for you to provide help and support when you have adequate knowledge of addiction. Be sensitive to the changes in their behavior to know when to offer help.
Be clear in your communication
While trying to help addicts, be careful not to blame them. Communicate effectively by turning negative statements into positive ones and giving empathy.
Assure Them Of Your Support
Most times, addicts fail to see the love from friends and family, but with your constant words of assurance and concern, you can convince them that you truly care about their recovery.
Encourage Them To Speak Up And Get Prompt Help
Addicts find it difficult to speak up and find help, but with your constant encouragement, you can assist them in getting the necessary help and treatment as soon as possible.
Get professional help for them
In case your loved ones are adamant, you can speak to a therapist or counselor on their behalf. With the help of professionals, they tend to recover faster.
Provide necessary support during the recovery process
When they finally agree to get help, you must support them throughout the process. This makes the recovery process easier for them. Please encourage them to show up for their meetings and help them make the right where necessary.
Look out for yourself
Helping addicts can be so overwhelming that you neglect yourself. However, you can only offer the best help when you are in your right frame of mind. Hence, it is important you exercise, eat, sleep, and meditate at the right time.
Things to avoid when helping an addict
While trying to help, you may be tempted to do or say certain things that can worsen your condition. Below are the things you should avoid as you help a drug addict.
- It is not your fault that they are addicts, so don’t feel guilty.
- Don’t cover up for their bad behaviors.
- Let them face the consequences of their actions.
- Don’t impose your belief on them.
- While you’re trying to help, never threaten or argue with them.
- While trying to help, try as much as possible not to judge them.
- Don’t neglect yourself in the process of helping.
How to Maintain Recovery for Drug Addicts
Getting help for drug addicts is one thing, but maintaining their recovery is something else entirely. Below are some of the ways to help maintain their recovery.
- Detox
Regular detox helps to purify the body system of unwanted drugs, and it is the first step in the recovery process.
- Counseling
Most times, counseling helps to discover the main cause of addiction, discover a better way to cope, and recover lost relationships.
- New medications
The therapist may recommend new medications to treat underlying conditions or other conditions due to drug abuse. They can also prescribe new drugs to overcome withdrawal symptoms.
- Professional follow-up
After the above treatment plans have been put in place, it is necessary to follow up to maintain recovery. Regular virtual or physical meetings or phone calls can help to achieve this.
While trying to help an addict, you must remember that there are different treatment plans for different individuals, depending on the type of drug they’re addicted to and underlying conditions. Hence, be sure to get professionals to check on them and recommend the right treatment plan.