Watching someone you care about struggle with substance misuse can be heartbreaking. Using drugs or alcohol can have serious consequences for their future, relationships, and general well-being. But your help can really make a difference. Here are some strategies for offering assistance without alienating them.

What is Drug or Alcohol Misuse?

Drug or alcohol misuse describes the detrimental or risky consumption of psychoactive drugs such as alcohol and unlawful drugs. Misuse happens when a person utilizes a substance not like it was intended or directly prescribed. This involves both abuse of prescription drugs i.e., taking in more than required or using someone’s prescription. Use and abuse of drugs or alcohol may result in physical dependence, mental problems, ruptured relationships, and the inability to manage life.

In defining misuse of drugs, it is not only about addiction but it can also be about normal use which is showing up to adversely harm the health, safety, or well-being of a person. The cases of misuse of alcohol and drugs usually begin at a low level and develop with time; hence, early intervention is vital.

How Do I Know if Someone Needs Help for Their Drug or Alcohol Use?

It is not always easy to notice that a loved one has a case of alcohol or drug abuse. Individuals with substance use problems usually go to extremes to conceal their actions. But there are general signs that could show something is wrong:

• Behavior or personality changes that are abrupt.
• Failing to do things at work, at school or at home
• Solitude with friends and family
• Other renovations in physical appearance or hygiene
• Lots of financial issues
• Hiding or lying about secrets
• Irritability, panic or sadness
• The higher tolerance or withdrawal effects

Provided that one of the persons you like is experiencing some of these symptoms, he/she can become a substance abuse in need of professional assistance. Prescription drug abuse may be especially hard to notice, particularly in situations where such drugs were originally prescribed by a physician due to a valid medical need.

How Do I Start a Conversation About Someone’s Drug or Alcohol Use?

It is intimidating to raise the issue of drug misuse or alcohol consumption with a loved one. It is all about being compassionate rather than judgmental towards them. This is a list of a few steps to assist in directing the talk:

1. Choose the Right Time
   However, talk to him/her when he/she is awake and sober in a serene setting. Do not mention it during a heated time or when they are drunk.
2. Express Concern, Not Blame
   Use first-person statements as in: I am so worried about you, I have observed a change in you and it is what’s concerning me. This does not sound accusatory and the discussion is not closed.
3. Listen Actively
   Create room to discuss and listen. Being heard can sometimes make a person more likely to help.
4. Offer Support, Not Ultimatums
   Make them understand that you are willing to take care of them and that assistance is at hand. Shame or threatening language should be avoided as it might drive them away.

What Should I Not Say to Someone About Their Drug or Alcohol Use?

Your words are taken into consideration when you are trying to assist somebody. On the one hand, some phrases can harm more than help. Avoid saying:

• “Why don’t you just stop?”
• “You’re ruining your life.”
• “You’re fine, it’s not that bad.”
• “You’re being selfish.”

Be empathetic instead of being critical. Tell them they have people who love them and that they (the addicts) can recover through support.

How Do I Support Someone Who Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem?

Supporting a loved one who is struggling with alcohol or drug misuse takes patience, consistency, and boundaries. Here’s how you can help:

• Educate Yourself

Learn about the aspects of addiction, the causes of drug abuse and the treatment process. The more you are informed the more you can assist them.

• Encourage Treatment

Give them the offer to get a drug addiction treatment program. DeLand Treatment Solutions provides scientific, yet kind and gentle treatment to enable people to get their lives back in control.

• Set Boundaries

Helping a person or giving them support is not condoning the behavior. Create some boundaries concerning what you can and cannot tolerate.

• Take Care of Thyself

Guiding an addict might be an emotionally exhausting task. To support families, you can consider attending a support group, including Al-Anon, and ensure that you take missed of your mental wellbeing.

Treatment: The Path to Healing

One can get better. The initial solution is to refer your loved one to professional aid. We specialize in handling people who are misusing alcohol and drugs and prescription medication abuse at DeLand Treatment Solutions. We use an individualized, supportive, evidence-based approach.

Our services include:

• Supervised withdrawal and detoxification in some medical situations
• Addiction treatment includes outpatient and inpatient
• Mental illnesses and dual diagnosis care
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Aftercare and relapse prevention planning

Whether your loved one is at the beginning of substance misuse or has struggled with addiction throughout his or her life, our dedicated staff will take them through the process step by step and support them and you as well.