Your Loved One’s Addiction: What Can You Say to Stop

So your friend needs help with moving to a new place, or a family member has a serious health problem. No doubt you would extend them help. However, when someone dear to you shows signs of substance or behavioral abuse, what do you do? What do you tell them? Do you try to help?

If you know someone who has an addiction, then you know that it’s a whole different kind of problem. You may have gone through many other difficulties with your loved ones or close friends, but dealing with addiction is a whole other monster altogether. In fact, many people find it hard to deal with someone who has an addiction, to the point that they alienate or stay away from the addict.

However, if you are also in pain when you see someone who is struggling with addiction and have their lives spiraling downward in a destructive pattern–what can you say to help? What do you do?

A Heartbreaking Dilemma

This is a heartbreaking dilemma because, as many who have been through the same road before, helping an addict can often end up harming you or bringing negative results to you. This is because an addict has unpredictable behavior and they have a compulsion in which they don’t care about anyone or anything else but their next fix. And so, they end up hurting their friends, family, and the people that care about them.

And this is the conundrum–it’s difficult to help a loved one who is addicted to substances or behavior, such as gambling or pornography, but this is the exact moment when they need you the most.

Your Loved One’s Addiction: Is it Your Business?

If you haven’t decided whether you will intervene and help out your loved one with addiction, consider these things.

First, imagine this: If you’re out and you see someone suddenly fall down and have a heart attack and you’re the only one who can perform CPR, you would help them, right? Or if you can’t do anything yourself, you would call for help. You would do this for a total stranger–what more for someone you love and care about, right?

Now, consider this. Addiction is as critical. In fact, it’s already a proven disease. If you don’t help and you know you’re capable of doing so, then you know that your loved one would go on a destructive path. Therefore, when you try to intervene or at least show your concern and offer help, you are actually helping save their life.

Another thing to consider is that your loved one may actually be waiting for someone to help them.

Therefore, the next time you come across your loved one and you suspect that they may be addicted, talk to them calmly. Avoid blaming and use positive criticism without pressuring them. If there is a right way of talking to your loved one, then you would know it best.

It’s also better that you know about their addiction and what kind of treatment is best for them before you approach them.

If you need help, we at Bridges of Hope are here for you. You can talk to our rehab professionals about your loved one’s addiction and what can be done to help them. Call or text us at 09175098826.