If someone you love is abusing drugs, here's what you can do to help them overcome their addiction and, at the same time, take care of themselves. The challenge of addiction is that the addict is not the only one affected by this disease. Family and friends may struggle with the addict's behavior, financial problems, legal problems, and the daily struggle to provide for a loved one. Here are seven tips that family and friends can consult to support an addicted family member or friend.
Dr. Ashish Bhatt discusses the use of medications during addiction treatment and how treatment with medical assistance can help maintain sobriety. This page will discuss the symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse, how codependency affects these relationships, and where to find addiction help for your loved one. The best ways to help a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may seem contradictory, especially for people who struggle with codependent relationships.
Step-by-step guides to finding treatment for drug use disorders (PDF): Guides for adults, teens, or people helping someone who is addicted to drugs. Jeffrey's mission is to educate and inform the public about addiction problems and to help those who need treatment find the best option for them. American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help you find the best drug and alcohol treatment centers near you and understand your options. Many family members and friends buy food, provide financial assistance to pay court fines or lawyers, or pay rent to help someone, but it usually only prolongs the illness, since addicts can avoid the consequences.
Encouraging your loved one to seek some form of professional help for addiction is a positive step in recovering from drug and alcohol abuse can put you on the path to a sober life. There are signs and symptoms to consider that could indicate that your loved one needs help with a substance use disorder or addiction. However, loved ones of drug addicts can help them stop drugs by encouraging their motivation to change. During family therapy, family members learn what to do and what not to do to help better support their loved one during recovery from drug addiction.
Some couples go to treatment together, and it's possible to find rehabilitation centers that admit both of them at the same time to get help for addictions.