When someone you care about struggles with substance abuse, it can be challenging. You want to help them, but how? Here is everything you need to know. Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects people in different ways. Some people may abuse drugs or alcohol because they feel lonely and isolated. In contrast, others may use substances as a way to self-medicate their problems or escape from negative feelings. Regardless of why someone uses substances, the truth remains that it’s not okay. TSubstance abuse has many negative consequences including depression, anxiety and poor physical health, which often leads to further drug or alcohol use to cope with these problems again. That being said, there are things you can do if someone you care about has a substance problem. Recognizing the warning signs and encouraging your loved one to get professional help sooner rather than later will go a long way in helping them get back on track and become happier once again.
Talk to your loved one about substance abuse.
Simply telling someone, you love that they’re abusing drugs or alcohol can be the most helpful thing you can do. When using substances, they may feel ashamed or embarrassed, making it even harder to ask for help. In order to get better, people must be honest with themselves and others. Open dialogue can allow your loved one to get rid of unnecessary feelings of shame and begin accepting the problem as a reality. Talking to someone you care about their substance abuse can help them better understand what they’re going through. It can also help them realize that there are people who care about them and want to help, which can provide a sense of security and inspire them to get help sooner.
Help them find recovery programs.
If your loved one is currently abusing drugs or alcohol, treatment options may be available. If they don’t know where to look, try to put them in touch with someone who can help. Companies such as SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and Recovery.org can put recovering addicts in contact with treatment facilities near them. Recovery.org is particularly useful because it connects recovering addicts with each other to help them find support in their communities and avoid relapse after they complete rehab. Substance abuse is a severe health issue that can only be treated with professional help. Be sure to keep an eye out for treatment centres in your area and urge your loved one to get help sooner rather than later. If you loved one declines treatment, don’t assume they don’t want to get better. Instead, ask if there is anything you can do to help.
Encourage them to seek professional help.
If your loved one refuses help, you can still encourage them to find professional service. It may be best to start by simply inviting them to seek treatment. If your loved one isn’t open to therapy, ask them to see a therapist or counsellor. You can also send them a link to articles that can help them better understand the benefits of treatment. Trained professionals can help people overcome substance abuse issues through various means, including psychotherapy and counselling. Treatment programs can also help to recover substance abusers and deal with issues such as trauma and psychological disorders that may have contributed to their substance abuse in the first place.
Be a constant support system.
Be sure to let your loved one know that they have your support. This can be as simple as sending them a text or email regularly. It can also be as large as attending an event your loved one is scheduled to attend. This can be helpful for two reasons: it can help your loved one feel accepted and it can also help them make new friends who can share their substance abuse with you. Substance abusers often isolate themselves to cope with their problems and prevent themselves from seeking help, so sitting with your loved one and listening to what they’re going through is a great way to open them up to help from others.
Don’t let people use your loved one as an excuse to continue operating.
Many substance abusers will say that they used drugs or drank alcohol to deal with their substance abuse. While getting help is always the best option, you can discourage this thinking by simply reminding your loved one that substance abuse isn’t an excuse for continuing to use. If your loved one uses substances to cope with their substance abuse, encourage them to seek help. You can also remind them they don’t have to use their senses to cope with their problems. There are many other ways to deal with issues, such as talking to a therapist or venting to a friend.
Stay safe while out and about -- make sure you know where you are going and who you’re meeting with.
Be careful when you’re out and about with a substance-abusing loved one. This is especially important for people currently using substances, as they are at a higher risk for engaging in dangerous activities and misusing substances. Keep an eye out for your loved one when they go out, and be careful to check in with them. Ensure they know where they’re going, who they’re meeting with, and when they need to be back home. If your loved one acts out or exhibits dangerous or self-destructive behaviour, get them to help immediately.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do can be difficult if someone you love has a substance abuse problem, knowing what to do can be difficult. You want to help them as they may not know where to start. Here are some essential things you can do if someone you care about has a substance problem. Talk to your loved one about substance abuse. Help them find recovery programs. Please encourage them to seek professional help. Be a constant support system. Don’t let people use your loved one as an excuse to continue operating. Stay safe while out and about -- make sure you know where you are going and who you’re meeting with.
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