There’s no denying that talking about addiction can be incredibly difficult for both an addict and the family and friends of an addict.
This is because living with an addiction can impact all areas of an addict’s life. From their relationships with family, friends, and colleagues right through to their working life, social life, and ability to function day to day.
With this in mind, it’s not unusual for loved ones to feel a multitude of different emotions when it comes to talking to someone about their addiction. And it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed however, at the same time, being able to have a conversation with your loved one is crucial to their recovery.
If you’re struggling to talk to someone about their addiction, you have certainly landed in the right place. We’ve created a helpful guide outlining the steps you can take to spark a conversation with someone living with an addiction.
First and foremost, when talking to someone with an addiction, you should always be clear and upfront, regardless of how difficult it is.
This is because being open and honest is one of the best ways to get an addict to also open up about how they are feeling, the challenges they face ahead and the triggers which spark their addiction. You should also let your loved ones know how their addiction is impacting you. For example, let them know that you are worried and concerned about their wealth fare.
Many addicts fail to recognise the impact that their addiction is having on those around them.
However, pressuring a loved one to open up when they are not ready can push them away further. With this in mind, you should give them as much space as possible, without making them feel as though they can’t approach you.
After all, many addicts do not like being told what to do and are known to go on the defence if they feel like they are being attacked or forced into opening up.
At the same time, you certainly cannot let an addict run the show and you need to be able to enforce boundaries’ when it comes to your time, mental wellbeing, and safety. After all, it’s not uncommon for addicts to become dependent on loved ones or overstep boundaries.
Remember, it’s always ok to say no.
And finally, you need to remember that addiction is a disease. With this in mind, you should always be patient and educate yourself about your loved one’s addiction. This will help you to understand their behaviours and most importantly, how you can help them.
All addicts should also be encouraged to seek the support they need to overcome their addiction and embark on a positive road to recovery that will eventually allow them to integrate into society again, without relapsing.
At ANA, we work closely with our clients to help rebuild their lives, gain confidence and self-worth and believe that they can live a healthy, responsible, and productive life, free of addictive substances.
Contact ANA today, our friendly team is on hand and ready to help.
