Entering a drug addiction treatment program is a significant step for people suffering from addiction. If a loved one is entering addiction treatment or considering it, you may want to learn to be supportive while maintaining your health and sanity.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we offer various family support services for supporting loved ones through addiction treatment and recovery. When considering a drug addiction treatment program, explore the comprehensive care at Fort Behavioral Health. Contact us online or at 844.332.1807 to learn more about help for drug addiction.
Understanding Drug Addiction
Addiction treatment is a complex process. Since many factors contribute to a person becoming dependent on drugs and going through an addiction, there may be many underlying issues to address alongside addiction recovery.
Understanding the stages of addiction can help you make informed and sensible choices while supporting a loved one through addiction, treatment, and recovery.
The addiction cycle can be segmented into four stages which are:
- Initiation – The person is introduced to the drug or substance, which seems like an effective coping method.
- Enhancement – When the person uses more than one substance, it can take on a dual role.
- Withdrawal – When individuals stop using the drug or substance they were previously dependent on, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and distinct changes in appetite or sleep.
- Recovery – Individuals commit to recovery and maintain that commitment through setbacks or relapses.
How to Help a Loved One Through Addiction Treatment
Helping a loved one through drug addiction, treatment, and recovery must begin with helping yourself. Seeking therapy or the support of a group such as AL-Anon can offer incredible support for people who love and care for those suffering from the disease of addiction.
Sometimes, the most helpful action is to offer patience and understanding at a distance while caring for yourself. Understand that this is valid. It takes time for a person suffering from addiction to respond positively towards others whose help could bring relief.
One way to help your loved ones through drug addiction treatment is to show them that you care about their well-being and recovery. Taking some time to sit down together regularly and talk can be beneficial. Learn how to honestly share your thoughts and feelings with them without blaming or criticizing what they’re doing right now.
Being Supportive vs. Enabling a Loved One in Drug Addiction Treatment
Suppose your loved one needs support, and you feel equipped to provide that support healthily and sustainably for yourself. In that case, it is crucial to their recovery that you avoid inadvertently enabling addictive behavior.
Enabling, concerning addiction treatment, is anything that reinforces negative behavior or empowers a person to continue using. Unfortunately, one of the most common ways to unwittingly enable loved ones is by protecting them from the consequences of their drug use.
Withholding financial or emotional support or not offering help when they abuse substances are two common examples of enabling behavior. Additionally, phrases like “I know you can do this” or even “You will succeed” can intensify outcome-oriented performance anxiety. Anxiety detracts from focusing on the process of recovery. Instead, ask open-ended questions or offer specific affirmations.
When in doubt, it can be most helpful to refrain from taking any action and instead seek support for yourself until you can confidently offer support without enabling.
Contact Fort Behavioral Health To Learn More About Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Treatment
Whether you’re looking for a complete service addiction treatment program for a loved one or searching for a supportive and educational community for yourself, our Fort Behavioral Health team can help.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we are experts in all aspects of addiction treatment. We excel at treating addiction while supporting those in the position of caring for loved ones through the painful process of addiction. Reach out to us at 844.332.1807 or fill out our online contact form.
