Navigating a loved one who battles addiction can be very challenging and complicated. Many times, it's easier to tell ourselves a story that we would rather accept than reality. The first thing to do is accept reality for what it is. As challenging as the truth may be. Another important factor is understanding that addiction is a disease, similar to any other physical illness. It's important to remember that substance abuse issues are usually a symptom of pain and trauma. Remembering this will help you proceed with empathy and compassion.
To take care of another person, you must be able to take care of yourself. Setting clear boundaries is a sure way to avoid being on the receiving end of abuse the same way the person you love abuses their substances. Boundaries are an important skill to master, and it takes time. Inversely, enabling our loved ones is a sure way to perpetuate the damage they have caused thus far. It takes strength and determination to fight this battle alongside your loved one. It can start to feel as if you are on your own at times. It's important so stay effective, as manipulation is a tactic often used by individuals suffering from addiction. This can take on many forms and each scenario can be different. The common denominator to their success is predicated on your strength of will. It's very difficult to be manipulated when strong boundaries are in place. This is why setting clear limitations are so important. If you feel uncomfortable, made to feel that you’ll be hurting them if you say NO, being guilt tripped, blamed, or they present themselves as the victim, your job to their benefit is to stay firm in what you believe is best for them.
Another important factor is that you cannot “fix” another person. No matter how much you love somebody, you cannot change someone’s decisions or actions. Recognizing this truth will help you from having certain expectations, which will ultimately lead to disappointment. When dealing with a loved one who struggles with addiction, you might blame yourself for their destructive behavior. This is understandable, although misplaced. Blaming yourself for someone else’s actions is in no way an effective means to change outcomes.
The moment you decide you are going to do what’s right for all involved even if that comes with contention, is the moment you begin to foster change. People with addiction issues typically rely on the people closest to them, like family, and close friends to enable their needs. By strengthening your boundaries and setting clear expectations you are cutting off one of their main supplies. It is important to be there for your loved one in healthy, supportive, and constructive ways. Being someone, they love, trust, and confide in can be a great tool to help aid their recovery. Often times, one person is all an individual will need to fuel their motivation for change and progress. This can look like getting them into a rehabilitation program or encouraging them to get involved with AA, NA, or other support groups. These programs can greatly increase their odds of healing and recovery.
Doppler therapy can help you navigate this terrain and develop creative solutions that empower you and provide the best mechanisms to cope with an addicted loved one while doing what is best for them. Working with a therapist with extensive knowledge and experience relating to substance abuse issues and other addictions is an option that you have when facing this challenge. Work with us and discover the psychology behind addiction and how you can positively change the direction of your loved one’s life. Together, we can explore the options available. Getting help has never been easier. From the comfort of your own home, you can now communicate with a carefully selected licensed therapist. Schedule an appointment today and begin to uncover the layers of addiction, setting up healthy boundaries, going from surviving to thriving, and ultimately changing the course of history in the most positive way.