The Role of Family and Social Support in the Treatment and Recovery from Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a strong dependence, and the struggle with it is often prolonged and exhausting. Success in recovery depends not only on the addict’s willingness but also on the support from the people around them. To make such help effective and have a positive impact, it is essential to follow several rules that will help avoid mistakes and achieve results.

Drug addiction and its impact on family relationships

Sometimes the mere thought of supporting a drug addict can evoke rejection from family members. It is not surprising since addiction to psychoactive substances often makes a person selfish, affecting the entire family and close environment. Among other things, drug addiction can lead to the following consequences:

• Lack of attention. The addict’s thoughts are consumed by the object of their addiction, and they often form friendships with other drug addicts. As a result, less time is devoted to family members and loved ones, leaving them feeling abandoned and unwanted.
• Irritability. The drug addict becomes irritable and prone to outbursts of anger, especially when others point out their addiction or try to stop them. Additionally, the state of drug intoxication also causes emotional swings, making it very difficult to communicate and have a dialogue even about simple matters.
• Financial difficulties. No employer will tolerate people with drug addiction for long, especially if it is severe. However, even losing a job does not deter the addict, and any available funds, even borrowed, may go towards buying drugs.

Certainly, when dealing with a strong and prolonged addiction, family members may feel that their relationship is irreparably damaged, and they may lose the desire to help. However, it is crucial to remember that individuals who have overcome addiction can radically change their lives, which will have a positive impact not only on them but also on their supportive family members.

Should we offer assistance or refrain from intervening?

Therefore, the support of those around the addict becomes a decisive factor that will give them strength and motivation to overcome addiction. However, it is vital not to make things worse unintentionally, as ill-considered actions can have a counterproductive effect. To avoid this, learn about the mistakes to avoid and what to do to provide effective support.

Typical mistakes of concerned family members

The desire to help is admirable, but when it comes to drug addiction, it is essential to remember that it is a disease that affects a person’s psyche and perception. To achieve results rather than suffer from a negative reaction, it is crucial not to repeat the mistakes that many well-intentioned people make due to a lack of knowledge.

• “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” This wise saying is thousands of years old, but it remains relevant. Trying to influence an addict with sharp and direct words while they are in a state of intoxication or withdrawal can only lead to irritation and aggression. Choose the right moment when the person is in a good mood and sober, and speak with warmth, even if it’s difficult.
• A relapse is not a defeat. If a person experiences a relapse in their struggle with addiction, it does not mean they are hopeless. Don’t give up; instead, encourage the addict to believe that they can do better next time.
• Restriction does not equal victory. Simply cutting off access to drugs will not lead to getting rid of addiction. The addiction needs to be replaced with productive activities and sources of positive emotions.

How to provide effective support?

We have mentioned earlier what family members can do, but now let’s specify the steps that will help cope with drug addiction.

• Help them realize the problem. This can be done through timely and gentle communication, allowing the addict to make the right choice themselves.
• Develop an action plan. The addict may not see the whole picture, so they will need assistance with this.
• Provide support, praise their efforts, and treat them with respect. This will help them regain self-confidence and find motivation to fight.
• Find new interests to occupy the time that used to be devoted to addiction.

When should you seek medical help?

If you cannot cope with drug addiction on your own, turn to the effective and the modern IsraRehab rehabilitation center. Our doctors will identify and eliminate the causes of addiction, while family members will provide support and be there during the rehabilitation stage. Such assistance is the key to success in the fight against drug addiction.