Addiction can be a scary time; it can also be an isolating time for your loved ones. To help them move forwards with their lives you need to help them in any way, shape, or form that you can. If they don’t want your help immediately then do not give up hope as they might want you tomorrow or next week. Patience is one of the key things you need to remember when helping others.
You Can Help Your Loved Ones and Here Is How
Now more than ever your loved ones need you. There are lots of things you can do to help and it is not all about providing monetary support. If you are not sure how you can help or where to start then here are some useful tips:
Be Supportive and Give Your Time
During times of addiction you need to let your loved one know that you are their biggest fan and that you are going to support them no matter what. Even if there are occasions when you feel that you can do more but you’re not sure what that may be, be supportive first and foremost. Being supportive is what this article aims to do, and it is what you should be aiming to be at all times. More often than not your loved ones need your time; they need you to help get them to appointments, they need your time to listen, and they need your time to help them make and keep plans for their future. Although it can be difficult trying to manage your time and find time for your loved one, it should be a top priority. Your time could be the difference between them overcoming their addiction fully, or sliding back into addictive traits.
Listen and Pay Interest
Quite often those who are in a period or state of recovery will want to talk about what they have been through or even what they are currently going through. They may not always want to talk but you have to make sure that you are there and ready to listen when they need you the most. When you listen, it can be hard not to start talking and dominate the conversation, especially if you have something to say. However, it is important to listen to everything first and then to speak or ask questions afterward, if it is appropriate.
Do Not Reflect on The Past
When overcoming addictions your loved one may or may not want to reflect on their past. It is important that you let them lead, but try to steer clear of the past as much as possible. When you reflect it may lead your loved one back and into a period of regression which is not good for overcoming addictions. Reflection may come easier in the future when your loved one is well and truly over their addiction, but, for now, it is best to take things one day at a time and focus on what they are doing right now and what positive changes they have made.
Do Not Judge and Focus on The Future
Reserve and save any judgment you may have as it will not make a positive difference to your loved one. When you judge someone who is in a fragile state, and who is recovering and overcoming addiction, you are just adding another obstacle for them to overcome. You might not realize or think that you are judging them, and it can be hard to establish when you are doing it, so it is always wise to think about what you are saying and remember that if you cannot say something nice then just don’t say it at all.
When overcoming an addiction the addict, which in this case is your loved one, will need something positive to look forward to in the future. When you provide something upbeat to focus on you will ensure that your loved one remains focused and on track with their recovery. Having something exciting to look forward to will ensure that they do not slip off track and head back towards their addiction.
It is no secret that overcoming an addiction is hard but with care and support you can achieve anything. It is also wise to seek a specialist for professional advice to ensure that your loved one is ready to quit whatever they were addicted to. If they are not ready and you’re forcing them, or you’re applying pressure, then this may well backfire on you and potentially aid their regression back into addiction. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help yourself, as well, as this can be a trying time for all of the parties involved.
