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How Do You Talk Your Loved One into Getting Help with their Addiction?

Addiction is a complex and challenging issue that can have a profound impact on the individual and their loved ones. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you may be feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. While it can be difficult to approach the topic, talking to your loved one about getting help is an essential step in their recovery. In this article, we will explore some tips on how to talk to your loved one about getting help with their addiction

Educate Yourself

    Before you talk to your loved one about their addiction, it’s essential to educate yourself about the condition. Research and learn as much as you can about addiction, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. This will help you to understand what your loved one is going through and provide you with the tools and language to talk to them about their addiction.
 

Choose the Right Time and Place

    When approaching the topic of addiction with your loved one, it’s important to choose the right time and place. Avoid bringing up the subject when your loved one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as they may not be in the right frame of mind to have a meaningful conversation. Choose a quiet, private place where you can talk without interruption or distractions.

Use Compassion and Empathy

    It’s crucial to approach the conversation with compassion and empathy. Your loved one may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or defensive about their addiction. Avoid being judgmental or confrontational, as this can cause them to shut down and become resistant to the idea of seeking help. Instead, use “I” statements to express your concerns and feelings. For example, “I’m worried about you” or “I care about you, and I want to help.”
 

Focus on the Positive

    When talking to your loved one about getting help, it’s essential to focus on the positive outcomes of seeking treatment. Emphasize that addiction is a treatable condition and that recovery is possible. Highlight the benefits of sobriety, such as improved health, better relationships, and increased happiness and fulfillment. Let your loved one know that you will support them every step of the way.
 

Offer Help and Resources

    Offering your loved one help and resources is a crucial part of the conversation. Research treatment options in your area and provide your loved one with information about support groups, counseling, and other resources. Let them know that they don’t have to go through this alone and that you will be there to support them every step of the way.
 

Set Boundaries

   If your loved one is resistant to getting help, it’s essential to set boundaries. Let them know that their addiction is impacting you and your relationship with them. Be clear about what you are willing and unwilling to tolerate and stick to your boundaries. This may mean stepping back from the relationship until your loved one is ready to seek help.
 
   Talking to your loved one about getting help with their addiction is a challenging but essential step in their recovery. Educate yourself, choose the right time and place, use compassion and empathy, focus on the positive, offer help and resources, and set boundaries. Remember that addiction is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible. By approaching the topic with love, compassion, and understanding, you can help your loved one take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

1NIMH: Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
2ACDL: SMI FAQs. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

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Domestic Violence

    Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. People of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level, or economic status can be a victim -or perpetrator— of domestic violence. That includes behaviors that physically harm, intimidate, manipulate or control a partner, or otherwise force them to behave in ways they don’t want to, including through physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, or financial control. Multiple forms of abuse are usually present at the same time in abusive situations.1 All which can leader to devaluing one’s identity, dignity, and self-worth. Sometimes even leading to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

1National Domestic Violence Hotline: Abuse Defined. https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse

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Sexual, Physical, Emotional Abuse

    Sexual abuse is any form of sexual violence, including rape, child molestation, incest, and similar forms of non-consensual sexual contact. Therapy can also be helpful for those who experienced sexual abuse in the past. Some therapists specialize in addressing the trauma of sexual assault. Long-term assistance may be beneficial to some survivors of sexual abuse.1 Physical abuse is any physical force that injures or puts one’s health in danger. Physical abuse can include shaking, burning, choking, hair-pulling, hitting, slapping, kicking, or any type of harm with a weapon like a knife or a gun.2 Emotional Abuse, sometimes known as psychological abuse, is consistent actions and behaviors intended to psychologically manipulate someone else. Emotional abuse is hurtful and can be detrimental to one’s identity, dignity, and self-worth.3 All forms of abuse could sometimes lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. All which would need to be treated from its source onward.

1GoodTherapy.org: Sexual Assault/Abuse. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/sexual-abuse
2Office of Women’s Health: Physical Abuse. https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/other-types/physical-abuse
3CrisisTextLine.org: What Is Emotional Abuse? https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/emotional-abuse/#what-is-emotional-abuse-1

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Chronic Anxiety & Panic Attacks

    Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include: feeling restless, having difficulty concentrating or controlling feelings of worry, being irritable or having sleep problems. People with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and reach their peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a feared object or situation.1

1NIMH: Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

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Borderline Personality Disorder

    Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. Other signs or symptoms may include: impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, distorted and unstable self-image, self harming behaviors, recurring thoughts of suicide, difficulty trusting and feelings of dissociation.1

1NIMH: Borderline Personality Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder

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Mood Disorder/Bipolar

    “Mood Disorder” represents a category of mental illnesses in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state (their mood).1 The most common we see is depression & bipolar disorder. Depression causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.2 Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors—often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects.3

 

1NIMH: Any Mood Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-mood-disorder
2NIMH: Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
3NIMH: Bipolar Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

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Substance Abuse (Drugs/Alcohol)

    A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs. Researchers have found that about half of individuals who experience a SUD during their lives will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa. Co-occurring disorders can include anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, among others.Substance use may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder. Research has found several behavioral therapies that have promise for treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders.1
 

1NIMH: Substance Abuse and Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

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Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

    Serious Mental Illness is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.1 Serious Mental Illness, or “SMI,” is a label used in Arizona to identify people who need extra support because of their mental illness. A designation is not a diagnosis for treatment. The SMI Designation is specifically designed for people who have additional difficulty in daily activities because of their mental disability. People who have been designated SMI are in need of long-term services to be able to live in their community. That is where we come in. We provide care and services for those who have been designated with a SMI.2

1NIMH: Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
2ACDL: SMI FAQs. https://www.azdisabilitylaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SMIFAQs.pdf

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