Stages of Help with Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

Many parents, uncomfortable with an addiction problem, often trivialize their loved one’s addiction to drugs. “It’s just a phase” or “It’s only marijuana.” Parents are stumped wondering if the drug addiction is even serious enough to require treatment or any professional help. In short, when someone regularly uses and/or depends upon drugs, there is a need for intervention.

Families soon learn there are few perfect answers when it comes to helping loved ones with their addiction to drugs and alcohol especially when it comes to getting help for spousal or husband problems caused by drug addiction and alcoholism . Every addict and circumstance is different, but one thing is familiar – addiction affects the entire family. The pain and chaos will affect everyone within that circle of family and friends. Family treatment will begin by setting limits for you and the addict.

Give up the role of rescuer

At times we feel powerless to stop the destruction addicts do onto themselves. With only the best intentions we try to keep them out of harm’s way and often do the wrong thing. Providing money to go to a movie or money to go out with friends to eat only minimizes the consequences. It covers up what they are really doing. Families and friends do not understand the dynamics of drug addiction and even when they know of a problem, they often want to simply cover it up.

We teach addicts not to face the consequences of their actions. We rush to pick up the pieces thereby becoming co-dependents. If rent is not paid, someone rushes to pay it. If there is no food, someone rushes out and purchases groceries. We succumb to the crisis and chaos over and over.

Giving up the role of the rescuer can be difficult, but in the end, family and friends must realize that even with all the help the loved one still has an addiction to drugs and needs substance abuse treatment.

•    Do not rescue the alcoholic or addict. Allow them to experience all the consequences of their disease. Addicts must hit rock bottom before they are ready to recover. Yes, there will be many negative consequences but each and every time they are rescued it will only delay the inevitable.

•    Do not support the addiction by financially supporting the addict. Money is every addict’s lifeline. Family members with the best intentions always give money, but it always serves the wrong purpose. Addicts certainly will not recover as long as they have money to buy more alcohol and drugs.

•    Do not allow the addict to manipulate and blame you into becoming the underlying cause of their addiction. This only distracts family and friends from the important issue of the illness itself. People suffering from drug addiction are on this teeter-totter level of anger. They get angry, initiate threats and look for pity. The family then rolls over and gives in. Avoid these reactions and stay strong.

Addiction is a progressive disease that gets worse if not brought under control. If a loved one refuses substance abuse rehab keep trying and look into an intervention. Recovery from any addiction to drugs and alcohol is a lifelong journey that will require hard work and consistent effort.

Good luck