7 Things You Could Say to Your Addicted Loved One

If your loved one is addicted to alcohol or drugs, it becomes extremely difficult to talk to them about their addiction. Addiction is a state where the individual builds in defense mechanisms to protect themselves and their addictive behavior.

When you try to confront a person about their addiction, you would encounter different techniques they use to avoid focusing on their addition, which includes anger, ignorance, aggression, and guilt.

Talking about addiction to an addict requires patience, technique, and planning.

Navjeevan is one of the most sought after Drug Rehab Center (Nasha Mukti Kendra) in North India that has helped drug/alcohol addicts live a life of sobriety.

Here are a few things you could say to your loved one that might help you start a conversation.

You have changed

Talking about change is one way to begin the conversation, but try to be careful here, being too negative or being too intruding would trigger their defense mechanism. Just tell them how happy they used to be & don’t focus on any negative points that they are unreliable or undependable as it would change the mood of the entire conversation.

I care for you

Studies show that addicts are insecure; therefore, pushing them away or being tough with them could aggravate the problem. Tell your loved one that you love them and care for them, and that even if they don’t give up on their choices, you won’t ever leave their back. This could give them immense confidence & they’ll be able to move forward and shrug away from their addiction.

You’re not alone

It is important to show your care and support. Addiction is a common problem these days and many addicts feel that they’re alone because they can’t share or talk about it to their friends and family. Assure them that you would listen to them without judging them.

Everyone needs help

There is nothing embarrassing about taking help from a family member or a friend. Addiction affects nearly 1 in 10 people at some point in their life and unfortunately, many fail to seek help. In most of the cases, addicts eventually relapse because they fail to get help. Talk to your loved one and tell them that getting help is the best and the bravest thing they could do for themselves.

It’s not your fault

Alcoholism or substance abuse is a life-threatening disease. No individual intends to become an addict. Always try talking to your loved one and explain to them that you understand it is not their fault. It might also go a long way towards convincing them to get help. They might ask you if they themselves are responsible for their addiction. Addicts may not be responsible for their addiction, but once they fall into this trap, they are only responsible to come back to sobriety. The first step to recovery is to stop blaming or pointing fingers and start taking responsibility for your choices that allow the addiction to continue.

Everything will be all right

Addiction sometimes seems hopeless but if you take the time to comfort and show your loved one that things would get better, you can create a huge impact on their life. Addiction is a painful process and simply reminding your loved one that things don’t have to remain bad could help and motivate them. Just tell them that there’s a better way to live if they accept the helping hands.  

Can I help?

Your loved one might not look out for your help, but offering help could make it easier for them to fight their addiction. You could initiate this by letting them taking care of a pet, helping them seek professional treatment or advice, or simply listening to them and acknowledging what they wish to say.

GET HELP FOR ADDICTION

Helping your loved one overcome addiction is although the hardest thing to do but you can still try to be there for them. It can be frustrating and difficult sometimes while you try to put control over their choices. Do not force; instead, inspire them to overcome addiction. Although it is painful to see your loved one submerged in addiction you need to be firm if you wish to help them. Offer them all the help, support, and always be there for them.

Rehabilitation is a process of restoring someone to normal life through training and therapy. Rehabilitation centres or Drug rehabilitation centres like Navjeevan helps people to achieve the highest level of independence, sobriety, and quality life.