How To Help Someone In Addiction

How to help someone in addiction

‍

If you are wondering how you can help someone in addiction, there are several ways you can get involved. One of the first steps is educating yourself on addiction. You can do this by watching documentaries or TED talks about addiction. Additionally, you can educate yourself by talking to people who are in recovery about what they experienced and what helped them. Taking it a step further, you can also learn about co-occurring symptoms to see if your loved one is suffering from addiction as well as a mental health condition, which can make their symptoms seem more prevalent.

Another way to help a loved one in addiction is to be supportive without enabling them. Be a safe and non-judgmental place for them to come to. Say things to them like “I’m here. I care for you, and I want to see you get help.” It becomes enabling when you say things like “I know you are late on your rent again, let me help you.” It is healthy to be supportive, but enabling can hinder an addict and possibly prevent them from ever seeking the help that they need.

You can also help someone in addiction by setting healthy boundaries. You can let them know what you will and won’t allow. After setting the boundaries with them, however, you must stick to them. If you don't uphold your end, they will feel like they can cross the boundaries time and time again. Setting boundaries helps the addict by promoting accountability, reducing manipulation and denial, and encouraging independence. Setting boundaries will help you by protecting your emotional and mental health, preventing resentments, and keeping the relationship from becoming co-dependent.

Finally, you can help someone with addiction by encouraging professional help. You can dial 211 from your phone or visit 211.org to find local recovery resources in your area. Another option is Hope is Alive’s 24/7 hopeline. They have contacts all over to help get people to treatment and on their path to recovery! If you would like help for a loved one or a support group for yourself, you can reach out to HIA’s Finding Hope team at hopeisalive.net.

‍