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Friday, September 18, 2015

By D'angelo G. Deighan


It is incredibly difficult to witness a friend or relative struggling with substance abuse and dependence. Approaching the topic can prove emotional and may be incredibly sensitive for the individual often leading to denial, resentment, and anger. Learning how to support a love one struggling with addiction can equip families and friends with the knowledge on the best ways of approaching and managing the situation.

For those having to watch the deterioration of someone they love because of drinking or drugs, it can prove emotionally taxing. It is not an easy task to manage the daily battles and many people feel as though they may simply give up and walk away from the situation. Once you are equipped to handle the stress and the difficulty of abusive behaviors, it can assist in a better plan or approach to support wellness.

If you are concerned about an addiction, do not wait to act or it may be too late to help out. Individuals who are overcome by a substance dependence display problems at work and constant disruptions in personal spheres. There is no one fit all approach to help someone suffering from addictive tendencies, but there are steps that supportive individuals can take to steer someone in the right direction.

The first step is to learn as much about the diseases alcoholism and drug dependency depending on which substance disorder an individual is affected by. This will provide a clear understanding of the symptoms experienced by the individual and the stages of abuse that can occur. Resources are available online and in consultation with recovery facilities.

Once you are ready to speak to the individual ensure that it is in a relaxed and non-judgmental setting. Do not force someone to listen or burden them with your opinions, but offer support and express how concerned you may be. Do not wait until the person has reached their lowest point, but advise on ways of tackling the problem before it leads to complete loss.

Visiting a recovery center and advising on attending meetings alongside the dependent can aid in relieving stress. The person may understand your concern and feel less isolated with assistance. It is important that one think about what to say and not to approach someone with blame and forced opinions.

Getting involved in the support and healing of someone with an addiction requires time and patience. While you should not pressurize affected persons into changing, do not become a pushover and voice your concerns and ways of helping them out of the disease. An unconditional approach and recommendations by a professional will aid in such processes.




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