Have you ever come across someone with drug addiction? Do you know how they behave during withdrawal? It might help to understand that a relapse can occur, and the effects can be fatal if they don’t consume the drugs. The brain is the most affected, and without the drugs, one cannot function properly. Heroin, coke, antihistamine, cannabis, and ecstasy are common for addicts due to the ‘high’ effect. Pain killers, anti-anxiety pills, and sleep medication provide a relaxation feeling and lead to addiction unknowingly. If you have an addicted loved one, here is how you can help them overcome addiction.
1. Choose the right rehab for treatment
Treating an addict varies from one person to another. Identifying what drug the person has an addiction to will help select the right recovery and treatment method. If they have been addicted for a long time, they will most likely need detoxification at the beginning of the process. Some of the treatment options available in Arizona rehab centers are inpatient & outpatient treatment, long & short-term treatment. The rehab you choose will help you know which plan is best for your loved one, depending on the drug they are addicted to and how long they have been using.
1. Have them attend counseling/therapy sessions
An advantage of using a rehab in Arizona is the availability of counseling sessions as part of the program. Counseling helps improve treatment by changing behavior and allows your loved one to deal with the psychological issues that led to drug abuse. Usually, the center will have individual and group sessions, which are both beneficial.
2. Create an environment for change
Dispose of drugs that have led to addiction, such as alcohol, pain killers, and sleeping tablets makes it easier to quit drugs. Providing the drugs makes you an enabler since you are making it possible for them to gain access to the drugs. Being firm isn’t easy, but you have to do it if you want to help.
Engage the person in various life activities such as hiking, fishing, and traveling to take their mind off drugs. An active life is a better life as the multiple sports activities will improve their health while keeping their minds off drugs.
3. Be keen on warning signs
If they promise to quit, be keen on behavior that might lead back to addiction. Look out for used needles since it’s a sign they could be using drugs. If they start hanging out with an old group of friends that led to previous addiction, cut it off as early as possible. With warning signs present, offer support to help overcome that phase. Ensure you give positive encouragement to motivate the person to keep working on themselves and get better.
4. Do not judge
Never judge anyone with a drug addiction problem. Instead, empathize and investigate the root cause of addiction. It helps if you understand the person’s situation without giving critics or judging. Hostile criticism can increase addiction levels if the person feels lessened. Judging can weaken their self-esteem, making it harder to quit.
It’s distressing when your loved one is addicted to drugs. You can help them become sober and live a full life. Even when faced with challenges, don’t give up on your loved one.