The importance of family and friends when overcoming alcohol or drug addiction

Published May 19, 2010

Discovering that a family member or close friend is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be a devastating blow, particularly if they have been or appear to have been living a normal life. Being addicted is not a weakness, it is an illness but one where the victim must help themselves. People who find themselves dependant upon substances to help them through life frequently have very low self esteem. Often at the heart of their problem is the fact that they do not feel worthy of love or respect from their families or peers. Their addictions have been a way of numbing whatever emotional pain they have been in and only they can decide to stop and change their lives. So, when a person suffering from an addiction problem finally faces their demons and decides that they need to stop what they are doing, it is a huge step for them. This recognition of self destructive behaviour is the first stage in their recovery and they will need all the help and support that they can get. The person has to be committed to changing their ways or treatment will not work. However, now that they have made this important decision, their family and friends are a vital source of support and help.

Hopefully, the person suffering from addiction problems has been admitted to a specialist clinic or on to a good program to help them come off alcohol and or drugs, so they will be sober and clean. If they have not, vigorously encourage them to get onto one or at the very least see a doctor. It will be incredibly difficult for them to stay sober or clean and not fall back into the old ways. This is where a good support system comes in. It is very important that family and friends listen and discuss the person’s worries and concerns. Talking through problems is known to help and it is a good idea to get the person to work through the solutions for themselves as well. It is going to require tough love and making them take responsibility for their own actions. Give them as much love and emotional support as you can and encourage them to attend clinics and meetings. Make sure that alcohol or prescription medications are locked away and that money is not left lying around, in other words remove all visible temptations. If they relapse, this is not a complete disaster, continue to support and encourage. Strongly suggest they go back to the clinic or the doctor and that they continue to attend their clinics and meetings.

You may find that you need a bit of help and support for yourself, so do not neglect your own needs. There are organisations that will help and support you too. Remember, this is a long term recovery in that it is a bit like a marathon rather than the 100 metres and needs to be approached in the same way. There will be frustrations and disappointments along the way, but if you can help your loved one through this, it will be worth it in the end.

Graham Baylis has been working with Tony Harrison of InExcess for sometime now and together they are spreading the word about how anyone with a dependency on alcohol or drugs can break the habit and recover if they want to. For more information on this topic, see their website at http://www.inexcess.tv

The importance of family and friends when overcoming alcohol or drug addiction

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