Caring for a Drug Addict: Things You Should Never Do
Last year, around 49 million Americans – aged 12 and above – had to battle substance use disorders. Only those who had the mammoth task of caring for them know how it truly feels to cater to someone dealing with addiction.
Caring for someone battling drug addiction can feel like trying to walk a tightrope in the dark. It’s tricky, nerve-wracking, and full of missteps. Your love and concern might tempt you to act impulsively in such situations. But remember: handling such a sensitive situation the wrong way could inadvertently cause more harm than good.
Let’s talk about the things that you should never do when supporting a loved one through addiction.
Don’t Play Detective or Doctor
Look, we all have that inner Sherlock Holmes itching to uncover secrets, but snooping on someone’s habits isn’t going to help. Also, you’re most likely not an expert when it comes to aiding with addiction recovery.
Are you aware of the half-life of various substances in the body? Do you know how long they will affect the body or what they can do? Probably not, so why play detective or doctor?
According to the Purpose Healing Center, there’s no telling how long a drug will stay in the body and affect it. After all, different drugs affect the human body differently.
Hence, you might test their urine or pour over the contents of their bag for signs of drug presence. However, it only fosters distrust and also, you can’t do much with that information alone.
Hence, when needed, consult professional addiction recovery services to intervene and get your loved one the care they need. As someone who’s not an expert in these matters, when things get extreme, this is the best you can do for them.
Also, the detection window for stimulant drugs varies, so you need to hurry at times. Being late regarding these matters can lead to misdiagnosis.
Don’t Dismiss the Power of Their Emotions
You might think their anger or tears are merely byproducts of substances in their system. However, brushing them off as “just the drugs talking” is a massive no-no.
The truth is that while substances may alter blood concentration levels and cloud judgment, their emotions are real. By invalidating how they feel, you risk isolating them further.
Show empathy, even when it feels challenging. After all, their body may be fighting a chemical battle, but their heart still craves understanding.
Don’t Treat Their Addiction Like a Moral Failing
Time to squash a myth: addiction isn’t a sign of weak character or moral failure. It’s also not caused by poor morals or willpower.
Addiction, truth be told, is a complex health issue involving brain chemistry, the liver’s ability to process toxins, and several other physiological factors. If you approach them with shame or blame, you’re only adding weight to the burden they already carry. Instead, approach the situation with compassion.
Picture their struggle as a rickety roller coaster, one they didn’t exactly volunteer to ride.
Don’t Be the “Fixer”
How many of us love to be the hero? It’s tempting to step in, manage their schedule, handle their responsibilities, and try to “fix” everything for them. However, when you take over their life, you rob them of the opportunity to take ownership of their recovery.
Someone struggling with addiction needs to understand the consequences of their choices. Recovery is a personal journey, not one you can complete for them. Therefore, let them wear the cape and be their own hero; you can sit back and applaud their efforts, encouraging them to move forward.
Don’t Ignore the Importance of Boundaries
When someone you love is struggling with addiction, your instinct might be to bend over backward to keep the peace. That being said, without clear boundaries, you risk losing yourself in their journey.
Whether it’s about how you respond to their requests or how you protect your mental health, boundaries are essential. They remind both you and them that their actions – whether fueled by drugs or not – have consequences.
Establishing boundaries doesn’t mean you love them any less; it means you love yourself enough to stay balanced.
Loving someone through addiction is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. It’s messy, heartbreaking, and, at times, downright exhausting. But it’s also an opportunity to show the kind of unconditional love that can inspire real change.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can provide the support they truly need.
Remember, addiction doesn’t just impact the drug in the body; it affects every fiber of their being, from their mental health to their relationships. Be there for them, but also for yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and the journey ahead requires all the love and strength you can muster.
Together, you just might find a way through the darkness.
Thank you Danielle Ferguson for contributing this article.
Mental Health and Support Articles
From Caring for a Drug Addict to Home
Recent Articles
-
Caring for a Drug Addict: Things You Should Never Do - Caregiverology
Nov 26, 24 11:56 AM
Last year, around 49 million Americans – aged 12 and above – had to battle substance use disorders. Only those who had the mammoth task of caring for them know how it truly feels to cater to someone d… -
Level-up Your Fitness Game: A Health Guide for Athletes
Nov 10, 24 10:44 AM
Achieving peak fitness as an athlete goes beyond pushing physical limits; it’s about embracing a holistic approach that considers all aspects of health. -
Depression and Grief: How to Help a Partner Who’s Lost a Parent
Sep 28, 24 03:18 PM
Losing a loved one is always a difficult experience, but the death of a parent can be particularly devastating.
New! Comments
Have something to say about what you just read? Leave a comment in the box below.