Substance use disorder is a condition that affects multiple aspects of a patient’s life, including their relationship with loved ones. Tragically, patients battling addiction do not recognize the impact of their decisions and, thus, are unwilling to seek help. Moreover, the damage that substance abuse causes to a person’s finances and relationship forces patients to get into depression because they do not know how they can reverse their problems. Working with a Glendale addiction specialist can help you appreciate the importance of support from family and friends in helping patients adhere to addiction treatment to restore their wellness. However, family and friends may be unwilling to be associated with the affected loved one because it becomes difficult to witness the guilt, shame, anger, and frustration affecting the addicted patient.

The need for family support for patients battling addiction

Substance abuse predisposes patients to various risks, including overdose and health damage. Moreover, drugs take control of a patient’s mind making them neglect their responsibilities like showing up at work or taking care of their family. Clinicians recommend family members and close friends of patients addicted to drugs offer the encouragement and support necessary to steer their loved one to recovery.

Guidelines for supporting a loved one addicted to drugs

Substance abuse can wreck families and tear relationships apart. Clinicians do not recommend forcing your loved one to stop taking drugs. Instead, you can support their efforts to change by offering them love and encouragement, which can promote their adherence to a recovery plan. However, it is important to be aware of the significance of setting boundaries that will guarantee preserving your health and welfare while maintaining stability for your loved one.

The initial step to supporting a loved one battling addiction

The best way to effectively support your loved one is to understand their condition, specifically why they abuse drugs. Most patients use drugs as an escape from their realities. Understanding your loved one’s emotional pain or underlying mental health problem that draws them to substance abuse is key to helping them quit drugs.

Effective family interventions to help encourage the loved one with the substance use disorder

The role of family support in effective substance abuse disorder is critical to ensure recovery. However, it is necessary to collaborate with a licensed physician to help family members address any reactions associated with their loved one’s condition. The next step involves actively participating in your loved one’s treatment. Clinicians develop effective family support programs; for example, allowing loved ones to attend therapy sessions together could help patients address the root cause of their substance use disorder and encourage discussions about recovery and the most effective approach to prevent relapse.

Clinicians recognize the need to assess a patient’s addiction in the context of their family environment. Moreover, implementing evidence-based family approaches can encourage the effectiveness of and adherence to addiction treatment by focusing on improving the quality of relationships and thus giving patients a reason to change.

Contact 2nd Chance to speak to a licensed therapist about how you can support your loved one from addiction into a stable life of sobriety.