Advice for family and friends about addiction

It can be heartbreaking to see a loved one caught in the cycle of destructive behaviour associated with addiction. Without a proper understanding of addiction, family and friends of addicts may feel a mixture of helplessness, anger and despair. Loved ones may resort to reprimanding addicts for the behaviour, or simply give up and do nothing. Neither of these actions is productive. Here is advice for family and friends about addiction and some constructive measures that can help addicts.

The family and friends of addicts need to appreciate a crucial insight about addiction: addicts act compulsively and are not in complete control of their behaviour. For this reason, there is no point trying to cajole or condemn addicts, or attempt to shame them into ‘good’ behaviour. In fact, considering the self-esteem issues associated with addiction, such attempts can be counter-productive. Rather, addicts need support, encouragement and guidance towards seeking professional help that will address the root causes of addictive behaviour.

Confronting addiction

This is not to say that addicts should be indulged, regardless of the decisions they make. Addicts frequently suffer from poor judgement and are in a state of intense denial. Addicts who refuse, for whatever reason, to seek treatment should be firmly informed of the necessity of seeking help. In many cases, it may be necessary to stage an intervention in order to compel an addict to seek treatment.

In order for any form of treatment to work, addicts have to decide to seek help themselves. An intervention can help addicts understand the severity of their condition and the need to get help. When confronted by several close friends and family members, addicts are less likely to be as evasive as they tend to be in one-on-one interactions. Interventions should be conducted in consultation with a professional.

It is important to communicate to addicts that their inability to stop their addictive behaviours is not a weakness, but a result of suffering from the disease of addiction. As with any disease, there is no shame in seeking professional treatment. On the contrary, the decision to take practical steps towards taking control of one’s life is both brave and responsible.

Support during treatment

Addiction treatment may involve a period of in-patient care. During this time, the addict may be secluded from everyday life, away from family and friends. The addict’s privacy must be respected, affording time to focus on recovery.

While addiction cannot be cured, it can be managed. This is an ongoing process that needs a continuous effort. Recovering addicts will benefit from the support and understanding of those closest to them.

Following treatment, addicts may make profound lifestyle changes. Family and friends of addicts should be open to any positive and uplifting changes, and offer support and encouragement. Rebuilding damaged relationships takes time and effort, both on the part of the addict and by family and friends.

Get help without delay

If you suspect someone close to you has a problem with addiction, it is important to take action as quickly as possible. Contact a registered addiction centre and a qualified counsellor for advice on the appropriate course of action to take. With commitment and professional care addiction can be overcome.

About the author:

Oasis Counselling Centre is an addiction treatment centre in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Contact Oasis for advice about coping with addiction, and learn more about staging a supervised addiction intervention.