10 Ways To Cope With An Addict In The Family
Having an addict in the family can be stressful as well as difficult to deal with. Firstly, you have to be strong and accept this fact that your son/daughter/sibling or any other member of the family is an addict. He/she may be bringing about problems at your home and you want to help him/her but are not sure on what appropriate steps you can take. But not to worry, as we have come up with some solutions to tell you how you can cope with an addict in your family.
1. Do your own research and find about his/her addiction
This is probably the first thing you need to do after you have a hint or know about your loved one’s condition. Research online or read some books about the problem that he/she has and educate yourself about the alcohol or drug addiction. If you know better about his/her problem, you will be better equipped to help your loved one.
2. Addiction is also a disease
Another important thing that you need to understand is that addiction of any type is also a disease. Although, the way you deal with addiction is different. But the causes of addiction and other chronic illnesses like diabetes are similar. No one chooses to go into addiction. It’s just that the craving for those ‘pleasure-giving’ items rises to such a level that the person cannot control it.
3. Persuade him/her to get help
He/she is the only one who can make the decision to get help. But you can always help him/her to reach closer to that decision. You should not force him/her but make him/her understand that the benefits that will befall upon him/her when he gets help. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous are always there to help out.
4. Take someone else’s help
By this we mean, that if your loved one doesn’t agree to get help, then you can let someone else talk to him/her. You could approach a spiritual leader, an elder or someone who has recovered from addiction.
5. Make him/her talk to other people recovering
Others will give him their own perspective of how better life is for them now that they have come out of their addiction. They might say that it is very tough in the beginning, but when they know what’s at the end of their struggle, they become more keen on achieving a normal life.
