If a loved one is suffering from substance abuse addiction, it’s important you reach out. Here are some tips on how to confront an addict in the right way.
Did you know that by 2004, more than two-thirds of American families were affected by drug addiction? This number increases steadily each year, especially due to the current nationwide opioid epidemic.
If you’re dealing with a loved one who suffers from addiction, your life is negatively affected by the disease as well. Learn how to confront an addict in a proactive, positive manner that may inspire them to get help.
Be Observant
No matter what your loved one is addicted to, their behavior can be unpredictable. If you know or suspect that they are under the influence of drugs, don’t talk to them about their addiction at the moment.
Addicts suffer from an altered mental status both when they’re under the influence or when they’re in desperate need of drugs. Their erratic behavior coupled with physical agony can cause them to lash out at you if you bring up the possibility of treatments.
Stay alert to your loved one’s mental state. If he or she is sober, that’s your chance to start the conversation.
Stay Calm
A calm, rational demeanor is necessary when confronting an addict about the possibility of recovery. If you introduce anger or disappointment into the conversation, your good intentions can backfire.
Prepare yourself mentally for your conversation. Remember that:
The conversation is not about your feelings
concentrate on your loved one’s problem
Addiction is an illness
Your loved one isn’t hurting you on purpose
Know that even if your conversation doesn’t put your loved one in rehab, it is still a success. If your family member is willing to listen, you’ve won half the battle.
The path to recovery isn’t paved with a single conversation. Still, that’s a good start.
How To Confront An Addict Without Judgement
How do you think your loved one feels about their addiction?
Chances are, they would rather not be addicted, and they feel depressed and disappointed about their current situation.
Therefore, if you bring up their addiction in a judgmental way, they are less likely to hear you out. Your loved one’s negative feelings about drug abuse are overflowing. If you add to this negativity, it may cause them to resent you.
Come to the conversation from a place of love. Remember that your loved one would rather not abuse drugs.
When having your conversation, remind the addict that you love them, and that you’d like to help them from a place of love and concern, not of judgment.
You can tell them how their addiction affects you personally and how it affected your relationship. But state these facts without anger or blame.
Writing down what you want to say may help you steer clear of judgment during this crucial conversation. Jot down a list of qualities that you love and admire in him or her.
Stay Proactive
You may not get your loved one to seek heroin addiction treatment in Tennessee willingly after just one conversation, but bring up the topic if possible. Come to the table with some research and a willingness to help.
Telling your loved ones to seek treatment and then leaving them to their own devices won’t produce positive results. Instead, show them a list of resources you’ve already found, and tell them that you’re willing to help with further research. Guide your loved ones toward a viable plan if they seem receptive.
Are You Ready To Help?
Do you have a plan for how to confront an addict about drug abuse? If you feel that the above tips are helpful, have your conversation sooner rather than later. Your loved one is counting on your helping hand.
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