How Do I Help Someone Struggling With Drug Addiction
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use. Victims of this condition have an impaired ability to stop an act once it has been learned. Addiction affects the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the individual and those around them. Family members, friends. Addictive behaviours reflect the biological, psychological and environmental responses of the brain, which are being altered by alcohol and drug use.
The brain encapsulates the reward system, limbic system and motivation, memory systems, arousal and stress systems, fear and anxiety systems, and the sense of self. In response to substance abuse, the body releases many powerful neurotransmitters that impact these systems and lead to the development of tolerance, a decrease in impulse control and compulsive behaviours, apart from the health risks posed.
Addiction's Impact on Friends and Family
Victims of addiction find it more difficult to maintain control over their actions and decisions. Such people have a hard time making appropriate judgments, and as a result, they are frequently unaccountable for their behaviour. Not only do they suffer from the condition, but so do their loved ones. Spouses, relatives, colleagues, and friends are concerned that their addicted loved ones would overdose, harm themselves, get aggressive, or suffer more health problems as a result of their misuse.
Often, there is the need to cover up for the addict and take responsibility for their actions and behaviours, regardless of if the problem centres on prescription medications, hard drugs, and other substances. This makes it even harder for the addict to admit that there’s a problem and seek help. Family and friends could experience disappointment, anger, resentment, frustration, and guilt. Many of them might feel they’ve not supported these victims enough, while others find it harder to love or trust them.
Recognizing Drug Addiction in a Loved One
Some signs may suggest that a loved one is suffering from drug use disorder and needs help. One doesn't need to see the following signs for long to determine that the victim's life is severely affected by drug use:
· Irregular sleep patterns, such as excessive sleeping or sleeping during the day
· Difficulty in planning
· Unnatural weight loss and discolouration of the skin
· Repeated failure to meet responsibilities and constant flimsy or unrelatable excuses to back them up
· Repeated episodes of getting into trouble with the law or violating rules, including stealing money, property or credit cards
· Unexplained fights and injuries
· Changes in mood and behaviour
· Losing or quitting several jobs within a short period or having poor grades in school with no interest to make up for them
· Excessive expenses on “classified” items
· Unexplained physical symptoms, including abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, or other discomforts
In some cases, coming across materials like burnt syringes, spoons, foils, medication bottles, bongs, rolling papers, and cigarette butts indicates that someone is in the throes of addiction. Despite these strong, obvious signs, addicts are reluctant to acknowledge that there is a problem and to seek help.
Helping an Addict Recover
When dealing with a close friend or relative that suffer from addiction, love, patience, and support become crucial. It is important to try and keep them engaged, especially if the drugs have been a source of stress, frustration, loss, anxiety, and worry. These substances impact the brain and bring about changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. The more involved the individual is with the addiction, the harder it is for them to take a break from it.
It is important that friends and family of an addict do not place any blame on themselves for their loved one's actions, nor make any accusations. Try to be the type of friend or relative that provides reassurance and reassurance that the addicted person can change, and help them find alternatives to drugs. Many who suffer from addiction find it easier to share and express their thoughts to loved ones than to others, but that does not mean that they do not need help, encouragement, and assistance in getting better.
While supporting an addict, it is important to set boundaries and enforce rules to ensure one’s health and safety. Addicts shouldn’t be left unaccompanied or allowed to operate heavy machinery or drive. Above all, professional help and medical support are needed to address the underlying issues that make it hard for addicts to control their behaviours.
Addiction is a progressive disorder that takes years to build and can only be reversed when the addict is under medical supervision. To change, the person must admit to having a problem, which will be easier if they can admit to being an addict. Helping the addict get the treatment that they need will lead them to recovery.
Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that works for everyone. However, by having an awareness of the symptoms of addiction and finding a suitable treatment plan, many people can reduce the risk of the disease progressing to the next stage.
Assisting an Addict in Obtaining Medical Treatment
An addiction treatment plan depends on the type of drug used, the severity of the drug addiction, and the amount consumed over time. Generally, there are three phases to this plan: detoxification, rehabilitation, and continued support.
During this time, the addict’s friends and family may require the services of a rehab centre. The initial few days of treatment are rigorous to guarantee that the patient is drug-free. To avoid any treatment-related side effects, the patient is closely monitored.
Addiction treatment also includes the introduction of behaviour modification techniques, psychotherapy, 12-step programs and counselling. Counselling helps the addict learn to manage their emotions and behaviour better and control their addiction and cravings.
Conclusion
Drug addiction is a disorder that can have a far-reaching effect on the health and well-being of those who suffer from it and their loved ones. However, it is treatable and be reversed if support is sought and proper treatment is provided. Friends and family members of an addict have roles to play to commence the recovery process.
Understand that it is not an overnight process and that there is a possibility that the addict will relapse and that’s okay. What's more important is that the addict has the opportunity to make the right decision to seek professional help and get the care and treatment that they need to begin the recovery process.
