Approaching a Loved One Struggling with Substance Abuse

Nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend they know who’s struggling with addiction. It can be hard watching a loved one struggle with substance abuse. Not only can it be difficult to watch as your loved one mentally and physically declines at the hands of addiction. But, it can also be hard to know what to do to help your loved one, without enabling their addiction. In this article, you’ll learn more about approaching a loved one struggling with substance abuse so you can offer support to help your friend or family member. 

At Tikvah Lake, we are a luxury rehab that’s committed to helping patients break free of addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Every recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why our drug rehab offers a wide range of treatment programs and options to ensure you receive the best possible care for your unique recovery needs. You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help to lead a better life. 

Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!

How to Approach a Loved One Struggle with Substance Abuse

It can be difficult watching someone you love struggle with addiction. Below are ways you can approach a loved one struggling with substance abuse so you can provide support for them throughout their fight against addiction.

Learn About Addiction

First, before talking with your loved one about their substance abuse struggles, it’s important to build a solid understanding of what addiction is, and what addiction is not. Addiction is a brain disorder. Addiction is not something that someone can easily overcome through sheer willpower alone. Therefore, be sure to educate yourself about addiction prior to approaching a loved one struggling with substance abuse. 

Pick the Right Time to Talk with Your Loved One

Next, you should never abruptly confront your loved one who is struggling with addiction.  Otherwise, they will likely feel threatened and less likely to open up to you openly and honestly about what they are going through. This is why it’s important to pick the right time and space to approach your loved one struggling with substance abuse and talk about your concern for them.

Provide a Safe, Judgment-Free Space to Talk with Your Loved One

The last thing you want your loved one to feel is judged or threatened when you approach them. This is because if a loved one struggling with addiction feels judged by you, they will be less likely to open up to you about their struggles. Therefore, be sure to provide a safe, judgment-free space for your loved one to talk openly about their substance abuse struggles. 

Listen to Your Loved One & Foster Open Communication

When you do approach your loved one, it’s also important to actively listen to them and foster open communication. The last thing you want is a one-sided conversation where it seems like you are the only one engaging in the conversation. 

Understand Addiction Recovery Is a Life-Long Journey 

Last but not least, it’s important to understand that addiction recovery is life-long. After you’ve approached your loved one struggling with substance abuse, you may also help them research and find treatment centers in their area that they could go to. It’s important to understand that addiction recovery is life-long. This is why it’s important to offer continual support throughout your loved one’s recovery journey. 

Ready to Begin Your Recovery Journey? 

As you can see, approaching a loved one struggling with substance abuse doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. While it’s important to create a safe, judgment-free space so your loved one feels able to talk openly about their addiction, it’s also important you pick the right time and place to talk to your loved one about their struggles with addiction. For instance, abruptly confronting a loved one about their addiction will most likely not be as effective as setting a specific time to engage in an open conversation about their substance abuse struggles.

At Tikvah Lake, our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals are here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery. Whether you are struggling with opioid addiction, anxiety, depression, or another mental illness or addiction, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options and programs to ensure you receive the right care for your unique recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you lead a healthier, happier quality of life!