How To Get Help For A Drug Addiction
There are many different reasons why people start to use drugs – to numb their emotional pain, to improve their athletic performance, because all of their friends are taking drugs, to enjoy themselves, or out of sheer curiosity, to name a few. Using drugs doesn’t automatically lead to abusing them, and frequently it can be hard to pinpoint one single moment when drug use when from being casual to a big problem.
Frequently, drug addiction and abuse are less about how often someone uses them and more about why the person turns to drugs, to begin with, and the consequences that are a result of their addiction. For example, if using drugs is causing you problems, like a strained relationship or losing a job, then you most likely have a drug abuse problem. And if you have been charged with a DUI as a result of your addiction then you might need to find an experienced DUI attorney in Houston TX.
Not everybody who uses drugs will end up becoming addicted to them. The chance that someone will become an addict varies from one individual to the next.
Common risk factors which increase the chances of addiction include the following:
- Use of drugs early in life
- Family history
- Traumatic experiences such as neglect and abuse
- Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
- Administration method (smoking or injecting a drug might increase the likelihood of becoming addicted to it).
Drug Abuse Symptoms
There are numerous signs that indicate the use of drugs – both behavioral and physical. Every drug has unique manifestations of its own, and abuse symptoms can vary from one drug to the next. However, the following are some of the common signs that a loved one of yours might be addicted to drugs:
- Change in how much money is spent or suddenly asking for money
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of interest in favorite activities such as hobbies or sports
- Becoming careless with their personal grooming
- Lack of motivation or energy
- Problems at work or school
- Stuffy or a runny nose
- Glassy or red eyes
- Withdrawing from family members
- Mood swings
- Sudden behavioral changes
How You Can Help A Loved One With Their Drug Addiction
It isn’t easy to help a loved one deal with drug abuse. There also isn’t any magic formula to make your loved one stop using drugs. However, the following are some helpful suggestions to help your loved one receive the treatment they need if they are addicted to drugs:
Addiction is very complex. It is fine if you don’t know everything immediately. If you take time to really understand the disease that your loved one has and how they are affected by it can be very beneficial for your loved one as well as you. It will also help you become more aware of the specific signs that the addict in your life needs assistance. You may also want to speak with them about not driving while under the influence because not only can you get a DUI charge but it can also be deadly. If you know somebody who is in need of professional representation, contact a DUI attorney in Houston Tx immediately.
Offer Your Support
Quite often addicts don’t realize how much their friends and family love them. Discuss your concerns with your loved one. Also, don’t wait until they completely hit rock bottom before you say something. Tell them you will support them throughout their recovery process.
Encourage Them To Seek Assistance
Like other conditions, the earlier that addiction gets treated, the better the person will be. However, don’t be surprised when the person offers excuses or denial about why they won’t or can’t seek treatment. Make sure to stay persistent when it comes to how important it is for them to get help for their addiction. However, in the process, don’t make them feel ashamed or guilty.
Support Their Recovery As A Long-Term Process
After your loved one makes the decision to enter treatment, it is critical that you stay involved. Continue to support them by participating in recovering support groups, meetings, and ongoing care. Be part of their support system, and demonstrate that you are going to be there for them at each step in the process.
Take Good Care Of Yourself
You might view it as selfish, however, it is very important to take good care of yourself in order to make the best possible decisions and be there for someone else. Be sure your needs are met through eating well and getting enough exercise and sleep. Go to therapy yourself if you find that you are struggling due to the drug addiction that your loved one is going through.
What To Avoid When You Are Discussing Addiction With Your Love One
The following are some things that you should avoid when speaking to a loved one about helping help and treatment for their drug addiction:
- Moralizing, threatening, lecturing, or preaching.
- Emotional appeals that might increase compulsion for using drugs or feelings of guilt.
- Making excuses or lying about their behavior.
- Enabling their behavior by giving them money or covering up their drug abuse.
- Taking their responsibilities over. That protects them against the consequences of their own behavior.
- Arguing with them while they are using drugs. They won’t be open to anything you have to say or even be able to have a rational conversation while using drugs.
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