Addiction can affect a member within our family circle or one dear to us anytime, regardless of their background or other differences. Early warning signs make all the difference in their journey towards recovery. This article shall help you understand how to identify someone who is an addict and it shall suggest a few ways to provide them with your best possible assistance.
Identification of an Addict
Loss of interest in activities: The person who had much enthusiasm in his work, hobbies, or even social gatherings may become indifferent.
Secretive conduct: He or she may begin telling lies concerning their whereabouts.
Routine changes: Observe changes in sleeping habits, work output, personal hygiene.
Dangerous behaviors: Taking part in hazardous situations or drunk driving are some examples of dangerous behaviors.
A change in appearance may be a warning sign of substance use in case of a visible loss or an increase in weight, poor grooming or strange body odor.
Health issues: Addiction reduces immunity that may lead to fatigue repeated infection or an overall deterioration in health.
Withdrawal symptoms: In the absence of drugs, agitation, sweating, nausea, or tremors may set in. This is indicative of dependence.
Changes in mood: The person may become hostile, nervous, or overly joyful lethargic. Sudden mood changes, anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings can indicate deeper-seated underpinning issues.
Depression and anxiety: Long-term drug abuse normally equates to serious psychological complications.
Isolation: The person keeps away from friends and family and also from general social events.
Loss of interest: If you have become apathetic about those things you used to find enjoyable, such as hobbies or entertainment activities, there is a problem.
Defensiveness: A defensive or secretive addicted individual when confronted over their behavior may be bothered by an addiction.
How to Support Someone with Addiction
Educate yourself: Learn about drug use disorders and their connection with mental and behavioral health before trying to help anyone. The more you understand the dynamics of addiction, the better you are in trying to help them.
Choose the right time: Avoid confronting the person when he is high or in a worse mood. Wait until they get sober and feel calm.
Be non-judgmental: Make them feel that you understand, empathize with them, and it is not their fault; they must not be blamed and must not be made to feel ashamed because of their problems.
Listen actively: Allow them to talk freely without holding themselves back from stating their thoughts and feelings. Being their friend and listener, be sure to listen carefully. Use "I" phrases when expressing concern such as, "I've noticed you seem different lately."
Encourage professional help: Suggest counseling as a way for them to receive support from an addiction therapist or counselor. If comfortable with this, offer to attend the appointments with them or assist them in finding resources.
Rehab programs: Suggest researching inpatient and or outpatient therapy centers. The therapy centers will offer detoxification and rehabilitation in a controlled environment.
Celebrate small victories: No matter how minute it is, mark each and every rehabilitation step taken. These will be huge milestones or turning points such as going to treatment, talking about their problem, or being off the drug for one day.
Medical treatment: It may be of importance depending on the type of addiction to take some medical intervention to perform some treatments such as medication-assisted therapy or detox programs.
Support groups: Suggest community-based or online support groups in the engagement of individuals experiencing comparable circumstances.
Safety Plan: If they become a threat to themselves or others, mobilize a safety plan entailing contact with emergencies and survival coping styles.
Provide practical assistance: At times, it is simply a matter of supporting someone by relieving them of burdensome responsibilities or tasks, such as grocery shopping or childcare.
Stay Available: Make them aware you're there to talk to or even cry on when things get tough.
Know Your Limitation: You must accept it that you cannot "fix" an addict. You can look after your own mental well-being and motivate them to seek professional advice.
Emotional support: Giving them your emotional support, their willingness to recover will be notably raised.
Patience: Recovery of a person from addiction generally takes time and also many ups and downs. So, a person has to be really patient and supportive. Always provide help and encouragement without focusing on quick solutions.
Don't enable: Yes, support them, but in no case enable their addiction. Giving money, covering up their activities, are some examples of enabling activities.
Addiction is a lonely experience both for the addict and for the family members. Remember you can't make a person get help. The most important thing you can do is to let them know you're ready to help and support. If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, seek guidance and resources from a medical professional or support group.