Overwhelmed by Someone's Addiction?
Is your life overwhelmed by another’s addiction? Has your life been disrupted by a loved one’s overconsumption of alcohol? Are you continuously worried and anxious because your son, daughter, or spouse are using drugs?
This is quite common in our current society. Every week, our referral counsellors receive calls from distressed parents. Any person associated with a drug user or alcoholic, even a prescription abuser, knows too well the chaos that results.
Solutions & Dilemmas
About Someone’s Addiction
The big question asked of us is: what can I do about it? Where are the solutions to this ongoing problem in my life? There exist solutions, and there are ways you can get help for that person.
Parents often ask us if they should put their child out on the street. The decision to do so is not the best solution. The consequences could be fatal. Drug intervention is one way of handling it and should be explored.
Enabler Defined
First Step in
Helping Someone
Circumstances & Families
So, what does one do when a relative’s addiction is ruining your life? Consider that each type of addiction has its own variables. No one family has the same circumstances.
Is the person smoking weed all day? Or is the person shooting heroin in the bathroom? Is the person drinking to blackouts or only drinking small amounts all the time? The degree of abuse has much to do with the approach to regain control of your life.
Dos & Don'ts
When
Helping
Intervention
Process
The Quick Fix
Are you dealing with a spouse? Is it your co-worker or employee? Some may find solutions in a separation or divorce. Others will fire the worker after a few warnings.
What consequences will that decision bring? You will need to find and train a new worker, hire a divorce lawyer, raise your child alone, etc.
Someone’s Addiction is Overwhelming Your Life.
Do you want your life back as it was before the problem? Are you willing to do what is necessary to deal with this ruin? Some people require a more compassionate approach, whereas, with others, only stern action will get results.
In our twenty years of experience in the field of substance abuse, only a few measures have shown to be workable.
Knowledge & Certainty
The following may sound too simple but do not be fooled by the power of knowledge. If you know how to fix a flat tire, you can take responsibility and fix it. If you know how to calm a crying child, you can easily deal with it without being affected. Well, it is the same circumstance with someone’s addiction. And knowing how to deal with a person with an addiction is also essential.
Five Steps
Through Denial
Backing Off
From Help
Overwhelmed by Someone's Addiction?
Seeking Help
Can you learn to deal with a person’s addiction? Yes, you can. Most private treatment centres have people available to help others understand substance abuse. They know what motivates the substance abuser and what triggers the relapses, and more.
They can help families find solutions through different means, and the importance of intervention will never be overstated. A well-orchestrated intervention will save a life. Call, get help!
I recommend speaking with a professional addiction counsellor. He or she will work with you regarding your son, daughter, or spouse. Guiding you to help your loved one be willing to go to rehab, and if that fails, they will help you set up an intervention. This will result in peace of mind for you and the whole family. You need to make a call.
Susan Chubbs
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Specialist,
Referral and Consultation Counsellor and Coach
