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5 Steps for Tackling Addiction in the Family

5 Steps for Tackling Addiction in the Family

Living with an addiction can negatively impact a person’s life in several ways. For example, it can destroy their relationships, damage their health, drain their finances and lead to the loss of a career.

If you suspect or know a relative is living with some form of addiction, you will most likely want to do everything you can to help free them from their dependency. Here are five steps for tackling addiction in the family.

Step One: Spot the Signs of Addiction

Many addicts are reluctant to admit they are living with an addiction. As a result, only their loved ones might be able to recognise the signs of addiction, which can vary depending on the type of dependency they are living with.

While many addicts might be able to hide their addiction from their family, there are common signs you can look out for, such as:

  • Secretive behaviour
  • Work or educational problems
  • Anger issues
  • Criminal behaviour
  • A change in friendship groups
  • Memory issues
  • Poor hygiene
  • Unusual tiredness

Step Two: Talk to Your Loved One

As hard as the conversation might be, it is important to confront your loved one about a potential addiction, such as alcoholism or drug abuse.

Try not to criticise as you discuss the issue and state you want to help them on the road to recovery. However, don’t be surprised if your relative displays a range of emotions, such as:

  • Denial
  • Upset
  • Anger
  • Avoidance

Step Three: Stage an Intervention

If you suspect a relative is living with an addiction, you might need to stage an intervention. Many addicts will not want to admit they are living with a disease, no matter how much you try to convince them to do so.

An intervention can, however, help them to understand how their actions are impacting those around them, so they can take some accountability for their actions and seek help.

An intervention often requires a group of relatives and friends to come together, along with an interventionist, so everyone will have an opportunity to express how their loved one’s actions have impacted them.

It is, however, important to maintain a calm, supportive atmosphere from start to finish to enforce the gravity of their problem and encourage them to seek the support they need.

Step Four: An Addiction Recovery Program

The next step is to enter your loved one into an addiction recovery program, so they can benefit from professional help to take back control of their life.

Ensure your loved one can effectively recover from addiction by finding a comfortable, supportive sober living home that offers a structured setting. Visit epiphanysoberliving.com to find out more on how to overcome an addiction.

Step Five: Support Their Recovery

The path to recovery is long, which is why you must provide your relative with the utmost support once they leave a recovery program.

Not only must you provide them with emotional support, but you could also help them to rebuild their lives while monitoring them for a relapse without being obtrusive or overbearing.

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