Dealing with an addiction of any kind is never easy, especially when addicted to drugs and alcohol for years and even decades. When you have a friend or loved one who has become addicted to using any substance but they are in denial of their addiction, helping them may seem overwhelming and at times, even nearly impossible. However, with enough patience and understanding it is possible to help those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol to admit their addiction and to overcome it altogether, allowing them to regain control of their lives.
Get Educated About Addiction
Any time you are attempting to help a friend or a loved one to overcome an addiction, it is essential to get educated on addiction, understanding how addiction begins, treatments available and various rehab centers that are near you and that may be right for your loved one or friend. The more you know about addiction, the easier it is for you to understand any hesitation or resistance you are likely to be met with when talking to someone who is in denial about their addiction.
Be sure to research the specific types of substances your friend or loved one is addicted to. This helps to identify withdrawal signs and symptoms that can be easily identified in an individual who is suffering with an addiction.
Create a Dialogue
Creating a dialogue is the first step to communicating openly with an individual who has become addicted to using drugs or alcohol. Understanding why your loved one is using any substance is possible by talking openly about any potential issues or problems they may be facing in their everyday life. Becoming an active listener is a must if you are working with someone who vehemently denies they are addicted to using drugs and alcohol, regardless of how resistant they are to discuss the issue. When you are actively listening and engaging in conversation while allowing yourself to be a shoulder to lean on, you are more likely to have the ability to discuss the abuse of drugs and alcohol openly.
Keep an Open Mind
It is essential to keep an open mind when working with difficult individuals who are adamant about not having an addiction. Remaining understanding and keeping an open ear is imperative to keep your friend or loved one from isolating themselves and going further into their addiction. Always keeping an open mind and answering questions while offering support is one way to get through to those that you care about that you are there for them, regardless of whether or not they are faced with an addiction of their own.
Offer Resources and Assistance
Offering resources and assistance is possible once you have created a dialogue with your loved one or friend and you are both comfortable discussing the use of drugs and alcohol with one another.
Begin researching both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation treatment centers and facilities near you along with the type of activities and amenities each location has to offer. Researching the type of care that is available at each rehab center is a way for you to get your loved one to open their mind about regaining complete control of their life without the use of any substance, whether it is alcohol, prescription medications or even illicit street drugs. Conducting a bit of research on rehab centers is a way for you to begin a dialogue about seeking help for any trouble your loved one is in.
Overcoming an addiction and helping a friend or loved one to do so is not always easy, but it can ultimately allow them to get their life back on track for good. With enough time, effort and commitment it is possible to help those who are in true denial of their addictions to let them go in order to begin living again without the need for any use of substances.
