Drug and alcohol addiction can have a devastating effect on the entire family. It is important to understand how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help you find the best drug and alcohol treatment centers near you. If you know someone who has successfully overcome the drug addiction that has helped in the past, ask them what program they used.
Don't be afraid to go to therapy for help if you're struggling because of your loved one's drug addiction. Starting a conversation with someone about their drug addiction is never easy, but it's important that you come from a place of compassion and understanding. An intervention can motivate someone to seek help for alcohol or drug misuse, binge eating, or other addictive behaviors. Once you've decided that you're no longer going to participate in your loved one's drug addiction, that you're no longer going to allow them because you love him too much, yourself and your family, you'll need to set limits.
Your loved one can give many reasons why you are asking for money, but unfortunately, all paths are likely to lead to financial support for drug abuse. If they turned to medication to self-medicate a mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, they'll need to find healthier ways to deal with these problems without resorting to substance abuse. You can start seeking help for a drug or alcohol addiction by talking to a doctor, researching what kind of help is available, and discussing these options with your friend or loved one. A person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse is likely to eventually seek help because of the constant motivation to do so.
The SAMHSA national helpline is available for those seeking assistance with mental and substance use disorders. The referral service is free and does not require health insurance. Trained information specialists respond to calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate admissions centers in their states, and connect them to local assistance and support. For additional resources, visit the SAMHSA store.
Drug use does not automatically lead to abuse, and it is often difficult to pinpoint a single moment when drug use goes from casual to problematic. Until you're aware of addiction and the symptoms of drug abuse, it's easy to miss the signs that are right in front of you. Helping someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction is often a long and heartbreaking journey, but it is possible for them to overcome their addiction with the right support.
