If you have a family member struggling with addiction, you may be at a loss about addressing the problem or helping them get professional treatment. If so, you are not alone. Most people don’t know how to deal with addiction, including the addicted family member. However, there are plenty of resources and detox center programs in Florida that can help someone get on the road to recovery.
Addiction treatment centers often provide specialists or therapists that can help you stage an intervention and even accompany you when you confront your addicted family member. You don’t have to feel like you are alone when dealing with the problem. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306 to learn more.
5 Ways to Help an Addicted Family Member
1. Establish Healthy Boundaries
The first thing you need to do when helping a family member is to help yourself and other family members. You can start by setting healthy boundaries such as:
- No drinking or taking drugs on the property
- No abusive language or behavior
- Nightly curfews
- No use of household income to support the addiction
- No bail or pick-up after an arrest
Setting boundaries lets the person know that they can no longer hurt you, manipulate you, or take advantage of you. These boundaries also hold the addicted family member accountable for their actions.
2. Avoid Harsh Language or Emotional Outbursts
A family member with an addiction may have personal struggles such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or apathy toward their situation. As such, yelling at them or using critical language is likely to alienate them. It can also make a bad situation worse if emotions escalate, and an argument turns into an abusive situation. Regardless of how you feel, you may need to be the one who is calm and encouraging instead of combative.
3. Stage an Intervention
Before you confront an addicted family member to take them to a drug or alcohol detox center, you will need to carefully plan your intervention. Some things to consider before you carry out the intervention include:
- Assemble an intervention team of mature friends or family members.
- Have an intervention specialist in your group.
- Know what you are going to say and how you are going to act in advance.
- Approach the person when they are sober and isolated.
- Make all the necessary preparations to take them to the detox center.
- Prepare to act quickly once the person agrees to go to detox.
- Pack some clothes and supplies and gather all necessary documents in advance.
Contact the addiction treatment center in advance before you arrive.
4. Provide Support During Rehab
If you take a family member to rehab but provide no support afterward, they are likely to relapse. Once they get out of detox, be sure to visit them, send cards and letters, and ask them what they need. You may also want to consider participating in a family therapy program to work out family problems. The more support you provide, the more likely a loved one is to complete rehab and stay clean.
5. Prepare for the Transition from Addiction to Recovery
When your loved one returns home, they need a supportive and stable environment conducive to their recovery. Try to resolve all family problems before they complete treatment. Remove all drugs and alcohol from the house and try to clean up the house. Recovery is far more attainable when the home is stable and in order.
Get Help for Addiction at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If you or a family member are struggling with addiction, professional help is available. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online to explore your treatment options and get started with your program today. You can help an addicted family member break the cycle of addiction before it is too late.