I love my family! I love spending time with my husband, I enjoy a full day of shopping with my siblings, and believe it or not, I
actually have a great relationship with my parents. I know it sounds like Utopia here, but I really do love my family! That’s why when I learn about one of my friends or loved one going through an addiction problem, I feel like I need to help. If you are one of the many out there who has a family member suffering from addiction, here is some advice on how to help.
1. Don’t be afraid to learn about addiction. Learn all you can about how an addict behaves and some of the signs of addiction. You can get a lot of valuable information at LaPalomaTreatment.com.
2. Practice tough love. You have to love the person who is suffering from the addiction, but you don’t have to love the behavior. Make it clear that you will love them unconditionally, but you won’t put up with the addiction. Set your boundaries and stick to them, even when it gets tough.
3. Offer help. But not just any help. There is a fine line between helping an addict recover and actually enabling them. You have to be willing to help your loved one overcome the addiction, by supporting them through rehab or giving them daily reminders to stay away from the drug. When you pay bills, lie for them, or pay their rent, you are enabling the addiction. You might think you are helping, but this is not the kind of help your loved one needs.
The good news is that there is help for addiction. There are many wonderful resources and tools available to help the one you love recover from this terrible disease. Don’t give up hope and keep trying!
