Tips for living with someone addicted at home
After a long day at work or a stressful experience, returning to the family is a moment of happiness. Living with loved ones can be a source of immense strength as members come together to share sorrows and successes. However, the experience turns sour if any member is dealing with substance abuse. The usual course of life is interrupted as addiction places a financial, mental and emotional burden on everyone. It destroys the peace and changes the family dynamic.
Here are some tips to help a family live with a person addicted to drugs or alcohol and stay sane:
- educate yourself – These days, there are many resources available online through which one can get a lot of information about substance abuse. Addiction is not a moral failure, but a disease of the brain. Educating yourself can help the family organize the appropriate intervention or resources to help the sufferer.
- Connection with support groups – Living with a person addicted to alcohol or drugs can be exhausting for the rest of the family members. The situation can worsen with physical and verbal abuse. It is important to encourage the person suffering to connect with support groups and participate in their sessions on a regular basis. These groups provide a platform to vent feelings, better understand the issue, and feel positive. Hearing other people’s stories can be very encouraging. Support groups also host many family therapy sessions to strengthen the bond, think beyond blame games and silences, and work to create a better home environment.
- eating together – In the fast-paced life, it is easier to have a snack at work or eat on the way home from work. But there should be at least one meal time when all members can sit together, pray and eat. Family time gives everyone a chance to talk about their day, share problems, and feel connected.
- taking care of oneself – Dealing with addiction at home can sometimes be overwhelming. While family members try to understand the problem as much as possible, it is just as important for them to take care of their health. Loved ones should engage in therapeutic activities such as reading, painting, singing, attending concerts, gardening, playing with children, cooking, or doing charity work.
- exercise regularly – Any form of physical exercise is known to relieve stress levels. By participating in training sessions or joining a dance class, one can stay energized. The person suffering from an addiction should be encouraged to take these sessions together to get the double effect: relax the mind and stay happy with the family.
- taking care of other things – Restricting the addicted person’s access to finances, removing triggers that increase addiction, seeking professional support, avoiding stress, and living life one day at a time are some of the other ways that can help a family cope Better an addiction.
Professional support needed
Sometimes, despite our best intentions and efforts, we fail to function as one family. In those circumstances, it is best to institute professional intervention and seek expert help. It is better to act before the problem gets out of control.
