How to Help an Addict

In 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) concluded that from the ages of 12 and up, 21.5 million Americans suffered from substance abuse, and 80% of the abuse recorded was alcohol related. Furthermore, one out of the eight suffering from alcohol abuse were also victims of other substance abuse, simultaneously.

Unfortunately, the number increases every year. In 2016, NSDUH estimated 28.3 million users of illicit drugs from the ages of 12 and above. One in every thirteen people need treatment for their substance abuse.

If you think someone you love maybe addicted and abusing drugs or alcohol, it is imperative for you to know how to handle the situation. Due to the delicate nature of the situation, you must approach this topic with care and a cool head.

Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Substance usage never starts with the intention of abuse. As a person keeps using, they develop a tolerance and keep needing more and more until they are addicted. Most users, especially those of hard drugs, such as amphetamines or cocaine, may not be able to stop by themselves. As the usage turns to abuse, certain symptoms begin to show up in their daily lives.

The symptoms could be physical or behavioral, ranging from:

 

• Weight loss
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Mood swings
• Increased irritability
• Isolation
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Uncharacteristic behaviorisms
• Changes in social circle

 

 

Taking the First Step

You will want to seek professional help. While broaching the topic on your own, or staging an intervention may seem like the plausible next step, it should be well considered. If your relationship with your loved one is such that you can communicate effectively, you can initiate a general discussion to see where they stand on the topic.

With teenagers and young adults, it is more complex as they may react negatively and become violent. The aim is not to ask your loved one to stop, but to see a doctor or seek treatment. Your doctor can screen tests for drug abuse signs and health conditions. Often, talking to an expert or a professional allows the addict to be more honest and open as they are not worried about judgement or disappointment.

Treatment Options

A variety of rehabilitation and treatment centers exist that will cater to the particulars of your loved one’s case. You can even choose between inpatient and outpatient care to make sure your loved one receives the treatment they need.

Supporting your loved one

In this tough and trying time, depending on the type of treatment you choose, there may be a strain on your household which could affect other members of the family. The best way to counter the tense atmosphere is to show compassion and empathy instead of tough love.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment options in particular, due to their nature, demand the normalcy of a household to remain consistent. This is because in such treatment options, the patient lives at home and attends therapy and receives treatment as per their schedule.

In this way, the patient’s life does not come to a standstill and they can learn to recover and stay away while remaining in a social setting. Patients of drug abuse do not want to feel like outsiders, and instead of tough love, families should try to establish honest and open communication channels so that no member of the household feels alone in their battles.

Inpatient Treatment Facilities

In this treatment method, the patient lives for 28 days to 6 months at a rehabilitation centre, away from their family and friends so that they can recuperate without any guilt or disappointment. However, this can be taxing for the patient and the household.

Such treatment programs demand the patient to spend time away from their current life and come back after they have recovered and are ready to integrate. For parents whose child may be in rehab, a very big worry remains regarding the child’s education and their emotional condition once they come back.

To help them get back to their life once they have recovered, remain compassionate and understanding. Talk to them and let them know that they are valuable and recognized. Humans crave attention and admiration and often times, parents can get caught up in work and responsibilities making children feel lonely.

Although it is a long and wearisome road to recovery and back into life, it is possible with a little effort and compassion.