Drugs and alcohol have become a weapon of mass destruction to the individual’s autonomy, families, and societies. Many societies and families are being affected by drug use directly or indirectly. It is accompanied by devastating social skills such as domestic violence, child neglect, emotional or physical abuse, and a variety of crimes.
Families affected by this pandemonium always live in constant fear of the ‘unknown’. The fear of not knowing what’s going to happen to their loved one or themselves.
To date, drugs and alcohol have destroyed a lot of families, relationships, and communities. How then do we move forward, ensuring the safety and healing of those affected?
As they say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’; so is the case with addicts. The individual by him/herself cannot recover without help & support.
More so, the family’s help and support alone is not enough. Many a time, the family is always the last to know. Therefore it is important to identify drug use in your loved one.
Mainly drug users or abusers are good at hiding their addiction. Though the family will be affected by the adverse effects of their actions, the drug user /alcohol user will not want their loved ones to know that they are using drugs.
Here are the signs and symptoms that indicate that your loved one may be addicted to drugs.
A drastic change in behaviour
Loss of interest in certain activities they used to enjoy
Isolation
Financial problems
Loss of weight
Frequently missing family gatherings, work or school
Lack of motivation
Lack of energy
Tremors
Paranoia
However, some of the above signs and symptoms differ with individuals as well as the substance they are using. For more information please visit our page on types of addiction.
If you suspect that your loved one is having a drug or alcohol addiction problem it is advised that you talk to them about seeking help.
Many individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol are constantly in denial. They do not believe they need help. This is because addiction is a disease that alters their way of thinking and it starts to control their mind. The best way to deal with individuals in denial is to:
Approach them when they are sober
Do not be judgmental, show them that you care and you are concerned
Be empathetic but do not sympathize with them as this encourages enabling.
Explain to them your concerns and the adverse effects their addiction has caused both in their lives and family.
Find A Suitable Treatment Centre
It is very critical to find a suitable treatment centre that addresses your loved one unique needs. Finding a treatment centre for your loved one might seem to be a challenge but it is achievable.
Learning as much as you can about different treatments and approaches makes it easier to make a decision. Consider things such as:
location,
costs,
medical aid coverage,
treatment program,
length of the program,
accreditation
positive treatment experience from testimonies of previous clients.
People affected by addiction might feel hopeless in their situation but help is always available for individuals with drug/alcohol addiction. It might take time for individuals to accept their problem and seek help, but also as family members, there are ways that we can seek help for them.
If you feel that your loved one is taking too long to accept help and that their lives or the family’s lives are in danger you can ask for help from intervention teams and your local court.
If we work together, we can beat this. Kindly visit our blog for more information on choosing us to be your partner.
Contact us today or visit our site for more information on our program.
Summary:
Empower yourself to help your loved one combat addiction. Learn to recognize signs of drug/alcohol addiction and initiate a compassionate conversation. Find guidance on selecting a suitable treatment centre based on location, costs, program length, and more. Explore the reasons for choosing a registered treatment centre. If urgent intervention is necessary, connect with intervention teams and local courts. Together, we can overcome addiction. Visit our blog for in-depth information and contact us for details on our program.
The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol on Families
Overview: Substance abuse is a widespread issue destroying individuals, families, and communities.
Elaboration: Drug and alcohol use lead to devastating social consequences such as domestic violence, child neglect, and various crimes. Families affected by addiction live in constant fear, unsure of the future.
Collaborative Effort for Recovery
Recognizing Signs of Addiction
Approaching a Loved One in Denial
Finding a Suitable Treatment Centre
Seeking Help Through Intervention
Addressing drug and alcohol addiction requires a comprehensive strategy involving early recognition, empathetic communication, and finding the right treatment centre. The collaborative effort of families, communities, and intervention teams is essential to combat the impact of addiction. Recognizing the signs, approaching with empathy, and seeking professional help contribute to the overall success of addiction recovery. For more information and assistance, visit the provided resources.
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