Having a loved one who is addicted to drugs is one of the most heart-wrenching things a person can endure. They see their loved one falling deeper and deeper into the snare of drugs and feel helpless. Unfortunately, more and more people are going through this ordeal. Although you may realize the need for drug and alcohol treatment, chances are your loved one won’t.
The reason is that part of drug addiction is denial. While it helps to have an explanation, it doesn’t help the problem. Taking action is the only thing that will work and it must be done either by the addict or a family member or friend.
While you cannot change the drug addict’s behavior, you can set limits on how they behave in your home. While it takes courage to take this step, you must make it clear to the addict that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. Among the limits may be:
- spending money without your knowledge,
- being under the influence in your home and drug use in your home.
Be firm and make sure the addict knows that there will be consequences. If you say they will have to leave home or you will leave home, for example, if they break these limits, and then be prepared to act. It is tough, but it absolutely must be done.
Checking into intervention may be an option for loved ones as well. There are many states which are opening up avenues for loved ones of addicted people and giving them more power to help. It is an outdated theory that only a drug addict can choose to get help. Friends and family can carry a lot of weight now in and out of courtrooms. Get information about drug intervention and how to gather all of the addict’s loved ones together to confront them about the addiction.
Checking out drug and alcohol treatment options is a good idea. Find a successful and reputable drug and/or alcohol treatment center and talk with them about your situation. They can often give you very helpful advice on what to do, if not for the addict, then for yourself. It also helps to already have the information when and if the addict is ready to get help. They can’t put off treatment with the excuse of not knowing where to get it if you already have that information handy. Talk to them calmly and firmly about the knowledge you have gained. Remind them that you love them, but their drug/alcohol use MUST stop.
Remember, you are not in this alone. Gather friends and family together and enlist the aid of a good drug and/or alcohol treatment center and stand firm knowing you are helping someone get the help they need.
For more information on how to help a loved one to go to drug and alcohol treatment call toll free 1-877-782-7409.
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