Drug Addiction Do's and Dont's

Drug addiction can be difficult on friends and family, as well as on the person suffering from the addiction. You naturally want to help, but may be unsure how to do so effectively. A drug intervention specialist can often help your loved one get on the right track, and this method can aid in his rehabilitation before he ends up in jail..

Don’t: try to do their recovery.

While it may be tempting to carry your loved ones’ burdens, only they can go through the recovery process. Someone who struggles with addiction may find themselves relapsing, and this is not an uncommon occurrence. There is little you’ll be able to do to prevent this from happening if your loved one is on a mission and is not yet been through treatment, no matter how strongly you want to manage your loved one’s life.

Don’t: try to make them quit.

Recovering from an addiction must come from one’s own volition. You can stage an intervention, and even use a drug intervention specialist. Interventions can be helpful, because the person suffering from addiction often realizes the toll the addiction is taking on those he or she loves. However, after the intervention, it is up to him or her to take the necessary steps for treatment. The specialist can guide you to best options but the decision to change old ways must be a personal decision for the alcoholic.

Don’t: try to bargain with your loved one.

It can be tempting to offer rewards for good behavior, including monetary incentives. But these don’t seem to help the loved one in the long run. Instead, he or she often ends up breaking promises and becoming elusive, because the pull of the drug is too strong. Instead, it’s important to keep boundaries and explain these boundaries to your loved one. When you do this in love instead of anger, it demonstrates what you will and won’t accept. For example, you may decide that your adult child needs to move out of the home if he or she doesn’t seek help.

Do: keep the lines of communication open.

Those who struggle with addiction are often ashamed of their actions. They may feel weak for not being able to stop the addiction on their own. Talking frankly with your loved one, without judgment or shaming, can help him or her feel accepted. This acceptance often encourages the loved one to find help.

Do: seek support.

You may decide to seek out a support group like Al-Anon or speak with a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your struggle can often help you find some solace that doesn’t solely depend on your loved one’s recovery.

There are no easy answers for supporting someone you love who suffers from addiction. However, a drug intervention specialist can help your loved one get on the right track and perhaps choose rehabilitation vs incarceration. Sometimes all the loved one needs is a push to make a change, and getting an alcohol intervention in Philadelphia is not so elusive. There are several qualifies drug interventionists who know how to best foster the communication between all parties.