Drug and alcohol use leads to harmful and serious problems, physically, mentally, and financially. Excessive drug and alcohol use damages vital organs, such as the liver, heart, stomach, brain, and kidneys. The damage from drug and alcohol use can result in lifelong health complications, overdose, or death.
Addiction is a family disease. When a loved one is addicted, everyone in the family is affected in some way. Trust is broken and family members experience emotional agony as their loved one’s life goes in a different direction. Often the addicted loved one limits his or her time around family, which results in long-term absences from family gatherings, holidays, or special family events.
There are ways to cope when a family member suffers from addiction. Learning that addiction is a disease is a good way to start. Here are some strategies to cope when your loved one is addicted:
- Learn more about addiction by attending AA or Nar-Anon meetings and listen to what others say about their experiences with addiction.
- Keep the communication open, positive, and encouraging. Go to group therapy or family counseling and get advice from professionals who are experienced with addiction.
- Do not shame your loved one. Encourage him or her to get help. An individual suffering from addiction might already have issues with guilt or self-esteem. Negative remarks could contribute to your loved one continuing his or her substance use.
- Understand you cannot control a person’s behavior. That includes your loved one’s addiction. Family therapy allows members to express their feelings in a controlled setting.
- Set boundaries to let your loved one know what is off limits. This teaches him or her to respect your rules and space. Follow through with any consequences if necessary.
Understand that your loved one cannot be forced into treatment and recovery, but love, support, and encouragement from family and friends is a start in the right direction. If you or a loved one is battling an addiction, get help now. Do not wait. Make the life-saving decision to get help today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204