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It can be an extremely trying and perplexing experience to witness a loved one battle drug usage. You can be battling a variety of feelings, including worry, dread, annoyance, and even helplessness. In these circumstances, it’s critical to keep in mind that your empathy and support can have a significant impact on their road to recovery.
The problem of substance abuse is complicated and calls for a diversified strategy. While seeking professional assistance is frequently necessary, it’s also important for you to have a supportive friend, partner, or family member. You may lay a vital foundation for their healing process by extending your kindness, empathy, and useful support.
It can be upsetting and difficult to live with a family member who is abusing substances. According to a report published by the National Bureau of Statistics, among the general population those who had never used drug, nearly 1 in 8 persons aged 15-64 years reported experiencing some consequences as a result of a person in their family, neighbourhood or community using drugs.
However, your advice and encouragement may be quite helpful to them as they work toward recovery.
We take a look at five ways you can help a family;
Get Informed and Acquainted With Addiction
Take the time to educate yourself about addiction and substance abuse. Learn about the specific substance your family member is struggling with, its effects, and the challenges they may face. By gaining knowledge, you can better comprehend their experiences, behaviors, and the recovery process. Understanding addiction empowers you to approach the situation with empathy and realistic expectations.
Foster Transparent and Open Dialogue
Ensure that you and your family members have a foundation of honest and open communication. Make a place that is judgment-free and safe for them to talk about their problems, feelings, and worries. Encourage them to express their ideas while paying close attention and refraining from interjecting or making judgments. Reassure them that you are there to help them throughout their rehabilitation by validating their sentiments.
Encourage Getting Professional Assistance
Encourage the member of your family who is abusing drugs or alcohol to get medical attention. Find trustworthy addiction treatment facilities, therapists, or support groups in your neighborhood and let them know about them. Offer to go with them to appointments or help them locate appropriate services. Professional assistance can offer the direction, therapy, and resources required for a complete recovery.
Encourage healthy lifestyle decisions
By taking part in activities that aid your family member’s recovery, you may encourage a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Encourage them to engage in hobbies, physical activity, and other constructive activities. Together, decide on and participate in sober activities like going to concerts, enjoying the outdoors, or engaging in artistic pursuits. You can assist them in establishing new routines and interests that are in line with their recovery objectives by emphasizing healthier alternatives.
Set Limits and Seek Assistance
Setting limits is essential for preserving your own wellbeing and safeguarding healthy connections. Make sure everyone understands your expectations for substance usage and what will happen if those boundaries are crossed. The most important thing is consistency, but it’s also critical to set boundaries with kindness.
Seek support for yourself as well, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends and family. Maintaining your mental and emotional health will enable you to continue giving support in an effective manner.
Supporting a family member grappling with substance abuse requires patience, empathy, and dedication. By educating yourself, fostering open communication, encouraging professional help, supporting healthy lifestyle choices, and setting boundaries, you can play a pivotal role in their recovery.
You can also encourage them to participate in the MTN ASAP Advocacy Walk against substance abuse on June 26 in Lagos and Abuja , and also encourage them to be part of the fight against substance abuse as it is everyone’s fight.
The post Five Ways You Can Help A Loved One Dealing With Substance Abuse appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
