YOUR HEALTH
When someone you love suffers with an addiction This time of year usually evokes images of family bliss - the sharing of food, gift giving and gathering of extended families and friends.
emergency or crisis situation. In such a time, take action by calling Triple Zero for assistance or contacting the appropriate services. In these instances, the health and safety of your loved one may be at stake, and it is vital to get them the immediate help they need. Understand the addiction Realising your loved one suffers from an addiction can be a painful discovery. Seek advice from well-reputed sources so that you can better understand what addiction means and how best to support your loved one. Investigate treatment options You can provide active assistance to your relative or friend by exploring treatment options. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may want to investigate a range of potential solutions. Speak up, state the facts Perhaps your friend or family member does not believe that they need treatment. Maybe they cannot even admit they have a problem or that they require help. To be most effective, don’t be afraid to speak the truth and speak your mind. It can be difficult to confront a loved one with this information, but doing so in a way that states the facts (and avoids blame or attack) can be the catalyst for your friend to seek real help.
Finding a support system is a vital part of being there for those you love.
The reality is that it can be a time of great anguish, strife, and overindulgent behaviour that is later regretted. The stress can be particularly severe for families of active substance abusers or recovering addicts. For these families, the thought of managing substance abuse issues, whilst maintaining peace and unity, can be overwhelming. Mishandling these issues can lead to further estrangement from the addict or a relapse for the recovering person. For families of active substance abusers and people in recovery, they may need extra support during the festive holiday season. Dr Stan Theodorou, Northside Group Consultant Psychiatrist in Addiction Services, has some helpful advice for what to do when someone close to you suffers with an addiction. It’s never easy to see someone you love in distress. When it comes to alcohol dependence, substance abuse, or another debilitating addiction, the person with the addiction often does not 16 TVO DECEMBER 2018
Recognise that treatment is an ongoing process
recognise that they are suffering. It is in these situations that family and friends can have a significant, positive impact. While it’s never your responsibility to ‘heal’ a loved one, the support and encouragement you offer can make all the difference in the world.
So how do you manage when someone you love suffers with an addiction? Take action in an emergency When a family or friend is in the throes of substance abuse or alcohol addiction, it’s common to encounter them in many troubling situations. These can range from moderate to extreme. For those around the individual, it can be a tough call as to how much to get involved. In the majority of circumstances, if you’ve tried to be a positive influence on a friend who hasn’t stopped their self-destructive habits, it’s not your responsibility to involve yourself (as often this can easily turn into enabling behaviour). The exception is in an
It’s important to recognise that healing from substance abuse or alcohol addiction is not a quick fix or an overnight process. Instead, it is an often lengthy journey requiring patience, fortitude, and compassion. Looking at addiction treatment from this point of view is helpful for both you and your loved one. Find a support system for yourself While you’ve been worrying about your family member or friend and hopefully ensuring they find a quality mental health clinic, you deserve to look after your own needs. Finding a support system is a vital part of being there for those you love. Make sure you aren’t neglecting your own personal wellbeing and invest time in self-care and self-love. This will keep you best equipped to be a strong support.
Words by Dr Stan Theodorou MBBS FRANZCP FAChAM MRCPsych Addiction Psychiatrist, Northside Group 9433 3555 I northsidegroup.com.au
