DOs and DON’Ts When Living with an Addict

Published: 21st October 2019 22:03

Addiction is anything that you continue despite suffering its adverse effects. There are different levels and stages of addiction that help determine its intensity. It is easier getting back to normal life in the early stages of addiction. However, chronic addiction may cause alterations leading to a brain disorder where dopamine receptors get activated and consider the drugs as rewards. The drug abuser ignores the hazardous effects just to enjoy the euphoria it offers. It is certainly difficult to live with a person who is involved in substance abuse. Read on to know about the five imperative things to keep in mind when living with an addict.

 

Face the Reality

People start ignoring the issues that they can’t change. They don’t accept that their loved ones need help. They ignore professional help and try to deal with the issue on their own. This is an extremely wrong approach that only makes the recovery period longer. It is very important to face reality, accept what is happening, and seek help. The person abusing drugs needs love and support to get rid of it. You are just denying them that support and love by not acknowledging the problem.

 

Make Sure You’re Not Helping the Addiction

No one can see their loved one in pain. Make sure your attitude is helping towards them and not their addiction. You have to stick to your stance and not hand them any money. You might even have to shut joint accounts and credit cards if need be. It’s the motivation they need from you to live a drug-free life, not your money. After all, all they are going to spend their money on is their destructive and detrimental to health habit.

 

Learn More About Addiction and Recovery

It is essential for the person living with the addict to have complete knowledge about the risks associated with the addiction and recovery process. People going through addiction are often in denial and habit of lying. The primary step towards recovery is to make the addict realize that he needs help. You have to be empathetic toward him and need to educate yourself more about his condition. You can study more about helping addicts by going on help4addiction.co.uk website.

 

Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

Another important thing is to manage your stress and anxiety when your loved one is suffering from such a condition. It is fathomable to feel stressed when someone you love is on drug abuse. But the important thing to recognize is that if you are not healthy then you cannot take proper care of others. 

 

Keep Yourself and the Family Safe

It is very important to set the boundaries and make rules for the family members going through the stage of substance abuse. If there is someone at your home who could be affected by the addict in any way, think of their safety first. You might want to keep the interaction of kids, pets, old people limited with the addict. However, it doesn’t he should be isolated because that can worsen the condition. Kids and pets are a great help in recovery, but they shouldn’t be around when the patient is out of control.

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