Sunday 29 November 2015

The Need for Empathy

Drug or alcohol addiction affects about 10% of any population. Even though it is very common, talking about addiction is still considered taboo for most families. The importance of addressing the issue early on is crucial. The longer the addiction is allowed to continue, the harder it will be to recover. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol or drugs, they are not only a danger to themselves but also to those they love.

Extending Aid to Addicts

It is not easy for an addict to accept that they have a problem and to begin their journey to recovery. This is a sensitive time where friends and family can either serve as their pillars of support, or be the cause of a relapse. It is a joint effort for on both sides to make the recovery a success. Caring for a recovering addict is not an easy task, but here are some suggestions that can help you during their healing period.

  • Provide a safe and sober environment, ensuring that there are no triggers for using. 
  • Do not jump to accusations, judgments, and name calling. 
  • Do not become an enabler; do not provide excuses of cover up for the recovering addict. 
  • Recognize and acknowledge that they have potential within themselves. 
  • Do not expect life to return to the way it was before the addiction. Change is a part of life by accepting their fault; you are lessening the stress on the recovering addict’s life.

A Helping Hand

Understand that you are not alone. Whether you are a recovering addict who fears relapse or a concerned family member, you can turn to others for help. Ranch Creek Recovery offers many programs that will help set realistic recovery goals and individual therapy that is personalized to ensure maximum progress. Speak to someone who understands your struggle, seek help, and start your path into recovery.

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