Therapy for Someone in Your Family Who Is Abusing Alcohol or Drugs
Therapy for Someone in Your Family Who Is Abusing Alcohol or Drugs
Educate Yourself on the Dependency
It’s important to first
understand the inner workings of the dependence itself, before you
attempt to help. There are lots of online resources that will
assist you to become more educated on the topic. Likewise, obtaining advice through Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, or Narcotics Anonymous meetings is an effective approach to take.
Watch for Signs
Some common signs to search for include financial difficulties, sudden mood swings, high-risk
behaviors, lack of attendance to work or other duties, poor grooming, delayed or disrupted speech, poor sleep
patterns, and red eyes.
Attempt Family and Individual Treatment
If your addicted family
member isn’t receptive to help, then individual therapy and family therapy are options which are viable. Professional therapists often know the correct plan to take when managing addicted individuals.
Be Available with Your Support But Not with Your Money
It’s crucial that you’re frank and open on
an emotional level. Express your feelings lovingly about the dependence.
Do not let another family member’s judgment or your judgment take the
place of an open, fair, emotional exchange. But paying for things
like rent and groceries or behaviors that empower the addiction can backfire.
Take Care of Yourself
Giving priority to the addicted family
member’s feelings and issues might result in forgetting to
take care of yourself. During the recovery procedure, it is good to admit your own feelings on the topic. Ignoring your
feelings could lead to emotional despondency, which is not
helpful for anyone in your family. So, while helping your family member recover, don’t forget about your own needs.