How Can Family and Friends Help With Drug Addiction?
For those seeking to change their drug use, the support of family and friends can be essential.
A support network can provide not only emotional support, but also practical assistance that can make huge difference to a person’s behaviour change journey.
If you’re supporting someone who’s addressing their drug use, here’s how you can help:
- Express your concerns honestly but try to be positive. Emphasise that you care for this person, offer encouragement and reassure them that you believe they can change their behaviour.
- Listen to your loved one, even if you don’t agree with them. Take the time to hear what they’re saying without contradicting them or getting into arguments.
- Share information about where they can seek help but avoid lecturing, threatening or punishing the person. Being angry can add to your loved one’s existing feelings of guilt and reinforce their impulse to use.
- Encourage help seeking. The more support and help available, the better their change journey will be.
- Set healthy boundaries and follow through – it’s not your role to put up with unacceptable behaviour or to cover up for them.
- Encourage them to take on new challenges and activities; this can provide focus and purpose and/or help to manage relapse. Help them pursue a new hobby, volunteering or something else they might enjoy that doesn’t create a trigger to use.
- Celebrate the ‘wins’ no matter how small – for example, making or attending an appointment, practicing a new skill or encouraging them to get back on the horse after a lapse.
- Take care of yourself – find your own supports through friends, family or support groups. Try to manage your stress levels and avoid burnout by sustaining a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you feel good.
If you think your friend or family member needs professional help, the team at Helm has over 30 years experience helping people to manage their behaviour and get their drug use under control. Whether it’s in its early stages or things are beginning to get out of control, our team has the skills, training and experience to help.
If you’d like to find out more, contact our Client Services team on 1300 388 576. They’ll discuss the specific needs of your situation and answer any questions about how Helm can help your loved one. If you’re ready to seek support, you can book a 50-minute inital counselling session designed specifically for concerned friends and family members, where you’ll meet with a qualified counsellor.
