What to Do—if You Think a Loved One is Experiencing Addiction
Addiction does not occur overnight. It’s an incremental process that simmers with family members not identifying the subtle changes that occur over time. How family members respond to these changes can make all the difference in getting your loved one help. Here are some steps you can take to see through the confusion of addiction and find help for your family.
Learn To Recognize the Signs of Addiction
Addiction professionals have identified tell signs of addiction to alcohol or other substances. At the same time, someone with an addiction will attempt to stop on their own. If this is the case, you’ll also see signs of withdrawal, cravings, and periods of re-use.
Most Common Behavioral Signs of Addiction
- Problems at work or school
- Relationship problems
- Secretive behavior
- Unfamiliar mood changes
- Poor eating or sleeping habits
- Changes in friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies
Physical Indications of Substance Use Disorder
- Significant weight loss
- Unexplained bruises or marks
- Dilated pupils
- Cold sweats
- Inexplicable acne
- Body odor
Detach with Love
When facing a family member’s addiction, understand this notion, it is not your fault. You can’t manage it, and you can’t remedy it. You can only address their addiction, ask them to get help, and set boundaries with your loved one. Everything else is up to them.
Consider Compounding Mental Health Problems
Over 20 million Americans have a co-occurring mental health disorder. For example, they may suffer from bipolar depression and alcoholism. The connection between the two is complex, but treatment is effective when addiction professionals work together to diagnose the problem and build a treatment plan with the best opportunity for a positive outcome.
NO Judgement
Addiction is a medical disease. If your loved one had diabetes, would you hold them accountable them for nutrition, exercise, or weight management? Typically, you would rush to aid them. Substance use disorder is no different than having cancer or heart disease. Left untreated, they are all fatal.
Temper Expectations
It’s not easy to know what to do or say when someone you love is in the grip of active addiction. That said, do not discuss their substance use if they are under the influence, don’t raise your voice, be honest about concern, and have support outlet like Al-Anon to lean on. This is also one of those matter-of-fact conversations and best to stick to facts rather anger and contempt.
When your loved one is ready for treatment, begin with a substance use assessment
A professional substance abuse assessment is the best way to evaluate the problem, confirm the facts, and conclude what kind of treatment will lead to recovery and wellbeing. With love and support, your family member can work through the turmoil of addiction and can begin rebuilding their life through honesty and integrity. They just need to decide they want to stop,
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
