How to interact with someone who uses alcohol or drugs

Video: How To Talk To Someone About Their Drug or Alcohol Problem (effectively!)

Content

Steps
Part 1 of 4: Stay Strong
Part 2 of 4: Offer them support
Part 3 of 4: Help them get through the process
Part 4 of 4: Understand Addiction
Tips
Warnings

Alcohol and drug abuse is a complex disease. “Drug and alcohol addiction” is a medical condition that causes impairment of intelligence, motivation and memory. The disease forces the addicted person to seek satisfaction in the use of a certain substance, often to the detriment of their own personality, health and position in society. Drug addiction and alcohol dependence can have different prerequisites, such as a person's biological characteristics, his personal and social experience, and psychological factors.Due to the incredible complexity of the disease, drug and alcohol addiction must be treated by a specialist. To help someone with addiction, you can learn about addictions, offer support, and take care of yourself to stay strong.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Stay Strong

1 Determine what you can change exactly you. Attempts to change the actions of other people tend to fail because you cannot control the other person's behavior. But you can change your own behavior.
- For example, if your friend has a drinking problem, you can refrain from drinking when she is around. Offer her alternatives to drinking, such as going to a movie instead of a bar.
- Remember that you are not responsible for another person's behavior or consequences. For example, if a person, due to drug or alcohol addiction, becomes unable to do their job, it is not your concern to throw your chest at the embrasure and do the work for him. Doing so will simply allow the addict to continue to abuse.
- You don't have to make up excuses for the other person or cover up their addiction in any way. You must not give the other person money to buy drugs or alcohol.
2 Set boundaries. Boundaries should be set for both of you. They can help you get rid of the feeling that you are being insulted, manipulated, or threatened. They will help your loved one understand what behavior is acceptable and what is unacceptable.
- Think about what behavior might be acceptable to you and what should be uncompromisingly prohibited.
- For example, a person may be rude or aggressive towards you, especially if he is using drugs or alcohol at that moment. This is unacceptable behavior, but depending on what kind of relationship you have, you can be tolerant of this behavior up to a certain level.
- However, physical or long-term psychological abuse can seriously harm you. This is especially true when young children are involved. As difficult as it is, it is important to set hard boundaries against such behavior in order to protect yourself and others who may be harmed by it.
3 Be firm in your boundaries. There is a very thin line between taking care of your health and safety and manifesting your prejudices and prejudices in relation to drug addiction and alcoholism. It is important that the addicted person knows that neither threats nor manipulation will force you to maintain their addiction. However, it is important that addicted people know that you are ready to provide the support that they really do. is necessarybut you won't do everything they want you to do.
- Be consistent, especially in sticking to rigid boundaries. It could be something small, like refusing to change your plans for the sake of another person. Or it could be something more significant, such as separation and separation of bank accounts.
- Being flexible and putting yourself in danger are not the same thing. If you think you are in danger from someone who uses drugs or alcohol, seek help and get out of the situation. Rescue services, the police, an ambulance, and various hotlines can come to your aid. Alcohol and drugs can provoke violent and unpredictable behavior even in people who were not previously prone to it.
4 Seek support for yourself as well. Caring for or doing something with an addicted person can exhaust you emotionally, mentally, and mentally. You can try to find your own sources of support that are right for you, such as support groups or working with a therapist.
- Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous is a network of support groups for families and friends of those with drug or alcohol addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings to support alcoholic families and friends.
- You may also find it helpful to see a counselor, especially if you suffer from feelings of guilt or responsibility for the other person. In some cases, drug addicts and alcoholics may hint that they are being abused because of you. In this case, the therapist will help you work through the traumatic situation.
5 Take care of yourself. It is very important to take care of your body and also to monitor your emotions. Caring for others puts you under great stress and risks getting sick. Taking good care of yourself can also be a good example for your loved one.
- Get enough sleep. Don't take stimulants, especially in the evening. Don't get carried away by the TV before bed. Develop a regular bedtime ritual.
- Eat well. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber. Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system, and the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables increase your body's resistance to disease. Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and legumes help your brain release serotonin, a relaxing hormone.
- Get exercise. Exercise not only helps maintain physical health, it also reduces the effects of stress. Breathing and concentration exercises such as yoga or tai chi can be especially helpful.
- Try to reduce your stress levels. Meditation will help you with this. Listening to calm, slow music can help you relax. Breathing exercises such as deep breathing can help you calm down and even lower your blood pressure.
6 Set limits. Caring for and supporting someone with drug or alcohol addiction can be exhausting. Don't overwork yourself or put yourself in danger. If you don't take care of yourself, you cannot take care of the other person either. There is no shame in taking care of yourself or admitting that your powers are not limitless.
- People who abuse alcohol or drugs can blame you for their problems. They may try to manipulate you, threaten to use or harm themselves if you don't give them what they want. Remember that you are not responsible for anyone else's actions other than your own.
- Alcoholics and drug addicts may deny that they are seriously addicted. They may lie to you about their actions. They may steal or even threaten with violence just to get more of the substance on which they depend. You'd better stay away from these situations.

Part 2 of 4: Offer them support

1 Talk to the addict. First of all, let him know that you care about him. Say that you love him and that you are worried about the behavior you see. Offer your support in something specific, such as helping him seek help with his addiction.
- Do not make emotional appeals in an attempt to induce guilt in the addict. It may even push him to use more alcohol or drugs.
- Do not try to talk to the person while drunk or high. In this state, his thinking abilities are weakened.
2 Find out what resources are available to help addicts in your area. There are many resources for helping addicts, many of which are free or very cheap. The most popular and highly successful are process-oriented group programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.These programs are very useful for a variety of reasons, but especially because they focus on building and strengthening a strong social support network. These networks often provide round-the-clock mentoring and networking to share experiences and are usually very beneficial for both addicts and those trying to quit.
- Relief prevention programs can help treat alcoholism, stimulant use, opioids, marijuana, and nicotine addiction. These programs are often carried out at local clinics. In them, addicts will receive encouragement and reinforcement in their attempts to abstain from alcohol or drugs.
3 Consider psychotherapeutic help. There are many specially trained psychotherapists and clinical psychologists who provide support to those who are struggling with their addiction. Due to addiction, people often suffer from other diseases, such as depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety. Seeing a psychiatrist can help a person identify some of the underlying causes of their addiction.
- If you are trying to help your relative or partner, family therapy is a good option. Research has shown that family behavioral therapy (FBT) can help change disturbed family patterns that can cause or exacerbate alcohol or drug dependence. Through therapy, both you and your partner can learn to cope with addiction.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in treating addictions to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine. CBT focuses on developing self-confidence by teaching people to identify and curb problem thoughts and actions.
- Motivational stimulation therapy (MCT) helps a person overcome resistance to trying to begin treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. This therapy is usually very effective for people who are addicted to alcohol or marijuana. However, this psychotherapeutic method is not very effective for those who are addicted to cocaine or heroin.
4 Consider an inpatient rehab center. If the problem is urgent, you should consider an inpatient rehabilitation center. These programs are especially important if your loved one uses substances such as cocaine, heroin, or narcotic drugs. The use of such substances should be stopped under the supervision of a medical professional, since abrupt withdrawal from their use can cause certain medical complications and even death.
- Such centers completely isolate people from the external environment. The person undergoes “withdrawal symptoms” under medical supervision. Often these centers offer not only medical treatment, but also psychotherapist consultations and educational programs.
- Inpatient programs offer 24/7 surveillance, which can be helpful if the person is still seeking to escape and use alcohol or drugs again.
- Such centers also eliminate triggers that are associated with the environment and with the environment. For example, a person tends to use drugs or alcohol when they are with friends who are doing the same, or in a place that is associated with the use of these substances.
- Such programs can be costly and time-consuming. In most cases, the person must agree to go to a rehabilitation center himself.
- Medication alone is rarely sufficient to overcome addiction. For a full recovery, it is necessary to change behavior in accordance with the requirements of psychotherapy.
- The Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services maintains a "mental health facility search engine" on its website.
5 Consult a physician. If inpatient care is not suitable for you or is too expensive for you, the addicted person should see a doctor to draw up a treatment plan. During the implementation of this plan, the addicted person must be under medical supervision to avoid serious complications or even death.
- The American Society of Addictions has a Find a Therapist section on its website. In similar societies, referral programs may operate.
- The doctor can help you find ways to support the person in their plan.
6 Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem. Each person and their situation is unique, and therefore their treatment must be adapted to the specific situation. You may need to explore different support and treatment options before deciding what is right for you.
- Remember that this will be a lengthy process and you shouldn't expect immediate results. Be patient.

Part 3 of 4: Help them get through the process

1 Arrange strong social support. Research has shown that social relationships are vital for people. Social support can help maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially if a person is drug or alcohol dependent.
- It is also important how a person perceives public support. For example, if a person in his social environment is constantly told that he is bad and will never get better, this may push him to further use, since he does not see any better alternative.
- At the same time, others can provide support to the person who is fighting the addiction, help him feel stronger and believe in success.
2 Pay attention to the positives. Focusing your attention on even small successes can help motivate the addict to keep fighting. If, on the contrary, you lecture him and emphasize his mistakes and failures, then you will not achieve the desired effect and, on the contrary, push him to use alcohol or drugs even more in order to drown out the feeling of guilt.
- For example, you can ask him, "What did you do well today?" or "What was the most difficult thing for you to deal with today?"
- Praise him for even the smallest efforts and successes. Alcoholics Anonymous's famous motto, “Live one day,” focuses on overcoming a pernicious urge every day, rather than a global, lifelong challenge. Connect with the addict frequently throughout the day and reward all the positives, no matter how small.
3 Pay attention to the addict's behavior. Changes in a person's daily lifestyle may indicate that they are starting to use drugs or alcohol again. If so, he may develop unusual mood swings, aggressiveness, or anxiety.
- Another sign that a person has resumed using alcohol or drugs may be absenteeism at school or at work, a deterioration in appearance.
4 Talk to him directly. Do not make the assumption that the addict's behavior has changed because they start using drugs or alcohol again. Ask directly about the problems you have noticed, but try not to blame or condemn him.
- For example, if your teenage child has been out of school for a week, you might ask him, “I just got a call from school. They say you haven't been to class all week. Can we talk about why this happened? " This approach gives the other person a chance to share their experiences with you, rather than defend themselves against your accusations.
- Avoid harsh accusatory statements. Here's an example of an unproductive address to a teenager: “They called from school, you weren't there all week. Are you using drugs again? You are a goner! "
5 Make positive associations. Show your support to the other person without reminding them of their problems.Otherwise, all your communication with this person will be reduced to your conversations about his use of drugs or alcohol. Chat with him or her. Talk about life. Invite to a movie or a cafe. Help that person feel comfortable around you so they can open up to you.
- If a person has other opportunities to enjoy life, he is unlikely to need drugs or alcohol.

Part 4 of 4: Understand Addiction

1 Realize the role biology plays. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex neurobiological condition. Many states that turn into addiction, in the beginning give a feeling of the strongest pleasure, "high". They can also temporarily relieve sadness or depression, so a person begins to seek to use them over and over again in the hope of relieving suffering.
- Most addictions, such as alcohol and drug addiction, cause a sharp increase in the level of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the human brain that is responsible for feelings of pleasure. Increased levels of pleasure are becoming the norm for the addicted person. What was enjoyable before is not able to give such a sharp jump in dopamine, like drugs or alcohol.
- Addiction changes a person's reward schemes. Even in the face of adverse consequences, a person still continues to seek pleasure or relief from the use of harmful substances.
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs begins when more and more drugs or alcohol are required to achieve the desired result. Addiction can be very dangerous; it requires the use of more and more doses of the intoxicating substance, with the result that often overdose and even death occurs.
- Certain types of intoxicants, such as alcohol and cocaine, destroy the frontal lobes of the brain, which control impulses and are responsible for delayed pleasure. Without such regulation, the ability of people to assess the situation and understand the consequences is seriously impaired.
- Genetic factors also help determine if a person is prone to developing addiction.
2 Understand the social dimension of addiction. Research suggests that the presence of social stimulation also plays a role in the development of alcohol and drug addiction. People who do not have enough resources, who live in isolation or in poverty, are more likely to use harmful substances, since they do not have many choices in various pleasures.
- One study showed that rats living in an environment rich in different experiences, which had different sources of pleasure, rest, socialization, turned out to be less dependent on intoxicants than those who lived in a “resource-poor” space.
- It is important to understand how the person's environment can increase or decrease the potential danger of alcohol or drug dependence. For example, conflicts between parents or in the family, ridicule and bullying by peers, high levels of stress increase the risk of drug addiction.
3 Understand the psychological mechanisms behind addiction. Addiction is not just a biological or social process. The unique psyche of each person, their emotions and desires can affect the predisposition to addiction and how a person will overcome it.
- Protective factors, such as the support of family and friends, can increase the level of individual resistance or help a person overcome addiction. However, each person needs to be encouraged to work on their behavior.
4 Try not to judge these people. Drug addiction and alcoholism affect a wide range of problems, the situation of each person is unique and unique.If we condemn an addicted person, this does not help him to realize the full danger of the situation and may even alienate the person from someone who can provide him with emotional and moral support. Remember that a dependent person is primarily a “personality”, not just a “dependent”.
- There are many myths about addictions in society. There is a general consensus that addicted people “have no willpower,” or that some drugs can cause addiction or psychosis after the first use. Such opinions are not supported by serious research and can lead to prejudice against people trying to get rid of addiction.
- Studies have shown that many people are not inclined to show empathy for addicted people, because they believe that they are "themselves to blame" for what happens to them. If you can understand the entire complex web of factors and their interactions, it will help you move away from primitive thinking.

Tips

Remember that you are only responsible for your actions and decisions. If people you love and love make a choice in favor of what harms them, it hurts. But you can only change your own behavior.
Support groups can be very helpful to family and friends of people with drug or alcohol problems. The members of these groups have themselves gone through similar situations that you are now in. You can get advice to help you. In any case, you will find sympathy and understanding there.