Make an Appointment: [email protected] | 818-749-5724

[email protected] | 818-749-5724

[email protected] | 818-749-5724

  • 818-749-5724
    [email protected]

    • Families in Crisis: Addiction

    Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer: It takes the soul of the addict and breaks the heart of everyone who loves them.

    The chaos caused and negative consequences associated with substance use is well known, however, less attention is given to the impact addiction has on the family and circle of friends.

    When a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to help them. As they continue to suffer and their condition becomes progressively worse, you often feel like you are also are on an emotional rollercoaster. But there’s a way to love and support them, while not losing you…..

    How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction

    • Remember that addiction is not a choice or sign of moral weakness; it is a disease of the brain. Using drugs or alcohol affects areas of the brain associated with self-control and impulsivity.
    • Addiction is ultimately a condition that the individual must learn to manage; Offer emotional support but always remember this is their recovery.
    • Set healthy boundaries and stand by them. The boundaries need to be firm, fair and consistent.
      Encourage the individual to seek help; this may include finding treatment resources for them. But wait for them to ask for your assistance.
    • Find a therapist and/or support group for yourself who specialises in addiction.
    • Set an example for healthy living by refraining from recreational drug and alcohol use while in their presence.
    • Be supportive, but do not cover up for problems created by substance use. This is called “enabling”. The person struggling needs to deal with the natural consequences of their addiction.
    • Be optimistic. A person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse will likely eventually seek help due to ongoing encouragement to do so.
    • If they relapse, it’s not a sign of failure…it is a reoccurrence of the disease. Relapse is often part of the overall recovery process.

    DO:

    • Express your concerns and state facts, not opinions.
    • Be patient. Be kind. Practice empathy.
    • Offer help, providing information about treatment, how it works, and how it can help.
    • Offer to go with them to a doctors appointment, therapy session, 12 Step Mtg/Support Group, or to tour a treatment program. But back off if they want to go alone!
    • Remember that substance use is a disease- not a disgrace. Find safe people to share your struggle with. Don’t keep it a secret because yo are ashamed.

    DON’T

    • Judge or criticise. Keep your opinions to yourself.
    • Neglect your own needs. Don’t be a martyr.
    • Yell or act angry. Confrontation and “Tough Love” rarely works.
    • Enable the person. Don’t do anything for your loved one that they are capable of and need to be doing for themselves.
    • Don’t take anything personally.

    New Workshop Starting Soon:

        HEAL YOUR FAMILY FROM THE IMPACT OF ADDICTION

    An 8-week online workshop designed to help you understand all aspects of addiction including;
    Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders;
    What Factors Contribute to Addiction?
    Understanding the Stages of Change;
    The Impact Addiction has on Family Relationships;
    How to Communicate Effectively without Conflict;
    Harm Reduction and Medication-Assisted Treatment;
    Reoccurrence or Relapse?;
    Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan;
    Overdose Prevention: Naloxone

    SPACE IS LIMITED-
    Call to inquire about next scheduled workshop 818.749.5724