When a person in your family has an addiction, it can affect everyone else in the home. Regardless of the emotional pain and anxiety you feel, helping an addict in your home is something that you or others may not be equipped to handle. If you have never dealt with addiction in the past, it can be difficult to talk about rehab or encourage the addicted person to seek help from an addiction treatment center in Ohio.
If you recognize the need to help a loved one who is struggling with addiction, but is having a hard time opening communication, then you may want to consult an addiction treatment specialist. An individual or family therapist can guide you through the intervention process. Below, we look at how to talk to an addicted family member. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Midwest Recovery Center.
Identify the Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder
It is not uncommon for you or other family members to wonder if they are overreacting to your loved one’s drug or alcohol habit. If you are noticing problems that continue to arise in relationships, finances, health, or legal issues, then it could signify that there is a drug problem.
Signs of drug or alcohol addiction may include:
- An obsession with the substance
- Denial that a problem exists despite the evidence
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Sudden or strange changes in behavior or mood
- Willingness to continue using the substance regardless of the consequences
- Isolation from family and friends
Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step to helping someone get treatment from a substance abuse treatment program.
How to Raise the Subject
Helping an addict is challenging due to the barriers in communication and complex emotional issues surrounding the addiction. Plus, you may worry that initiating a discussion may cause conflict between you and the other person. Here are some guidelines to help you overcome your fear of opening communication:
- Don’t bring up the subject while the person is drunk or high.
- Establish a time to talk when there are no distractions.
- Use language that straightforward and firm but supportive and encouraging.
- Try to avoid getting emotional or argumentative.
- Be specific about behaviors and moods associated with the addiction.
- Don’t expect the person to agree with you the first time.
Helping an addicted person to admit they have a problem and want to seek addiction treatment is perhaps the most important step in their recovery. Therefore, keep in mind that there is no quick fix. It is a process that may require more than one conversation. If you approach them the first time and they reject your assertions, then you may want to revisit the subject at a later time.
Helping an Addict Who Wants Help
You may be surprised to find out that the addicted person you were afraid to talk to is ready and willing to get help. If so, you may only have a small window of time to keep them in that frame of mind. Therefore, be ready to take them to a detox center or drug addiction treatment center right away. Have all medical documents and even a few sets of clothing ready to go.
You will also want to research some treatment centers in your area to determine which one offers the best type of treatment. Look for a treatment center that offers an outpatient treatment program, individual and family therapy, an alumni program, and treatment that is specific to the substance they are using.
Learn More About Family Therapy at Midwest Recovery Center
If you need more information on helping an addict in your family, then contact Midwest Recovery Center. We talk about rehab options and help you find the right type of addiction treatment therapies for your loved one.
Call Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 to get started with treatment today.
