Substance Abuse Signs: How can I help my loved ones?
The truth is you are not alone in feeling helpless or maybe even hopeless about what you are going through. Your parent, family member, spouse, boyfriend or close friend has been stuck in substance abuse which can be a chaotic or absolutely terrifying place. Maybe it’s not that bad right now. What if their use has decreased but not stopped or they have been sober for a couple of years but had a relapse? How can you take care of yourself and get your relationship(s) on a healthy track?
Please take a look at the previous blog to use resources that will help you decide your level of concern. Just this single step will give you perspective. In recent years harm reduction counseling, mindset, and treatment offer an alternative added to the sobriety model. Going cold turkey without support is a risky path to physical and psychological complications. It’s encouraging to know that more than 75% of individuals have been able to transition to safe, social use or sobriety from substances.
If you need more control or feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and worry, you may already have decided treatment is imperative as soon as possible. This article from NIDA gives you an idea of whether your loved one needs medical treatment. It will depend on the frequency of use, amount used, and whether the person is experiencing increased tolerance and withdrawals. Keep in mind the user in your life may have as much or more information as you do about getting well.
Substance Abuse Counseling - Putting on the oxygen mask first
How do you know that you could use some counseling? Are you hunting for your loved one’s stash, emptying it while they are replenishing it? Are you always criticizing and in a cycle of constant conflict. Do you stay up late at night, waiting for that person to come home, or hunting them down? Are you lying to cover up their use? Are you taking responsibility for their decision to use or helping them otherwise to back out on commitments to their family, the community and employer? Substance abuse is not simply a medical condition.
Stop and breath. The one adult that you can take care of is yourself. You are mustering up the courage to trust yourself, guidance from God, and act on changing the things you can. For the immediate moment, you can recalibrate your nervous system by reconnecting with your body, heart, spirit, and mind through guided meditations. You can find free apps such as Insight Timer to take a six minute break. Praying (talking to God about it) can lower your anxiety; some start with the familiar Serenity Prayer of Reinhold Niebuhr. Basics such as eating healthy, and getting the sleep and exercise you need go a long way. Outside of family support groups at AlAnon, seeking help from a licensed addiction counselor may be your best step towards regaining sanity.
Still feeling uncertain about your next step? Please feel free to call Tania at 720-577-5985 or schedule a free 15 minute consult today.
