Palm Trees

Supporting the Recovering Drug Addict

It is very trying to have a loved one who has an addiction problem. Family and friends become resentful, putting out fires as the addict starts. No matter how selfish the addict might seem, their lives are extremely difficult. They are ill, mentally and often physically. Addicts may not be aware of the consequences of their actions, especially after years of medicating away their problems. Loved ones need to find a way to hold the addict responsible for their actions while still provide loving support.

Psychologists warn against enabling addicts. Family members loved the addict before they had the problem, they love them while they are addicted, and they will love them after they recover. This love often translates into enabling activities that allow or support the addiction. Family and friends enable when they give the addict money that will go towards drugs or alcohol, lie for the addict, or support the addict with food and shelter. It may be hard to threaten the addict with homelessness, but family can suggest a treatment center as an alternative to a homeless shelter.

There are ways to support an addict without enabling them. Family members should talk with the addict about how much they love them, and how much they hope for their recovery. They can have conversations about good experiences they have had with addict, and participate in drug- and alcohol-free activities. Friends can go to the movies, hiking, to the zoo, or the museum. They should stay away from bars and other addicts. They can urge the addict toward recovery by learning about and discussing treatments. Loved ones of addict should always have a list of local addiction services ready, in case the addict decides to go into treatment.

Friends and family should encourage any of the addict’s attempts to get help. They should visit them often if they choose residential treatment and participate in any family weekends or education programs. If they are in outpatient treatment, family should do everything they can to ensure that the patient gets to their appointments and meetings. Family and friends should also abstain from drugs and drinking while the addict is in recovery. Family abstinence will lessen the chances that addict will relapse during recovery. It supports the addict with solidarity and empathy.

Loved ones can continue to support the addict after they have completed treatment. There are many support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups offer ongoing support for this life-long illness. AA and NA offer a variety of services that extend to people close to the addict. Both groups offer support groups for the family and friends of addicts, Al-Anon being the most well known family support program. There are also separate support groups for people who are caring for the children of addicts, and for people who have lost someone due to addiction. You can get information and find a local chapter of AA at http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cf. and NA at http://www.na.org/ .

In many cases, the addict’s family and friends are their only support system, and only chance for recovery. Loved ones should provide the addict with firm care and loving patience.