How do you help someone who is addicted?

Gulf Breeze Recovery provides tips for helping someone who is addicted.

What can I do? It’s a tough question that faces almost everyone who has a loved one in the grips of addiction. You watch them change into a person that you feel you don’t even know anymore. The person who used to be happy and carefree now just seems sad, or even angry, and pushes you away.

The person who was once trustworthy now lies and cheats and perhaps even steals from those that care the most. You watch as their life becomes a downward spiral. And yet, they push away your suggestions that they need help and insist that they are okay. They may insist that they really don’t use or drink “that much” or that they are going to quit.

You know that they need professional help, but how can you help them see that?

Sometimes attempts to rescue loved ones can hurt them more than it helps.

It is important to recognize that sometimes your attempts to rescue them or prevent them from experiencing the consequences of their addiction can hurt more than it helps. Developing strong boundaries can be both incredibly tough and, ultimately, incredibly helpful. It is important to let your loved one know clearly what your boundaries are and to maintain them.

Giving financial assistance makes it easier for someone who is struggling to feed their addiction. Even when they might insist that they need money for rent, gas, or even food, most likely the money will go toward their substance of choice. So, if you tell them that your financial support is over, find the strength to stand by that position.

If you tell them that, if they use again in your home, they will have to leave, be prepared to follow through.

The purpose of setting and keeping boundaries is not to punish or disconnect. It is to protect your long term sanity and to ensure that you are not helping someone you love to continue in their addiction. It is important to assure them of your love and concern for them and your willingness to help them get the treatment they need to deal with their addiction. Ultimately, boundaries are loving, not punitive. Following through in this manner tells your loved one that you love them too much to support the thing that is killing them.

An intervention with your loved one usually works best when you have support from as many of the important people in his or her life as possible. Having everyone together in an effort to encourage treatment ensures that boundaries can be set and upheld by a united front. It hinders the person’s ability to play one party against the other. Have treatment options available and be ready with answers to the objections you will probably hear.

Here are some of the objections you might hear and possible answers you can use:

I can’t afford it.

• What is your life worth?
• We can help you do this.
• You can’t afford not to.
• This is an investment in your life.

I can’t take time away from work.

• Addiction will ultimately cause you to lose your job.
• You can find another job, you don’t have another life.
• Be honest with your boss. They can hold your job. They probably know, or at least suspect that you have an issue anyway, your addiction isn’t the secret you think it is

I can’t be away from my kids that long.

• The greatest gift you can give your children is a healthy, clean and sober parent.
• We will see that your kids are well cared for.
• You will be setting an example for your children of the importance of self-care.

I don’t want to be away from home, I can do it on my own.

• That is a great intention, but it seldom leads to long term recovery.
• The problem won’t just get better without dealing with the underlying issues.
• Professional care can make the process easier and more effective.
• Recovery is much more than just stopping use, it is learning how to maintain sobriety and avoiding relapse. Professional care helps with that.
• You have been trying it on your own, and it isn’t working. There is no shame or judgment in that, it’s just time to try something different.

I tried AA or a 12-step program. That kind of thing isn’t for me.

• Treatment options are available that are not 12-step based.
• Holistic programs focus on overall health, not just your addiction.
• 12-step programs aren’t for everyone, that is why we have found other options that might work better for you.

Gulf Breeze Recovery specializes in overcoming chronic relapse.

Gulf Breeze Recovery is a treatment center that specializes in addiction and relapse. Call and speak to one of our addiction specialists who can help guide you through the process of getting your loved one the treatment they need to regain their health.

Gulf Breeze Recovery understands addiction and has a program that addresses the individual needs of each guest. They have a well-trained professional staff and a holistic program that treats not just addiction, but the mental, physical and overall health of each person.

If you or a loved one are battling addiction or relapse and looking for a holistic, non-12-step based facility that can help make a difference contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about how our program has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life. We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE®.