Most people never expect to see a loved one struggle with addiction. But addiction is far more common than we tend to believe.
One in seven people will struggle with a substance abuse disorder over the course of their lifetime.
Would you know what to do if a loved one became addicted to drugs? Would you know what drug rehab in Florida to take them to?
Read below to discover how you can help your friend or family member overcome addiction and where to take them for treatment.
Learn About Addiction
Despite the widespread nature of drug addiction, certain stigmas and misunderstandings are still quite pervasive.
Many people believe that an addict can simply stop using drugs anytime they want. In truth, addiction is a complex chemical process that affects the body, mind, and soul. It even changes the brain’s chemistry.
The first step in tackling any problem is to understand it.
Research the realities of addiction. Look at the common signs, symptoms, and causes of drug abuse so you can approach your loved one from a place of care and understanding.
Empathize but Don’t Enable
Understanding and empathizing are two great places to start. However, that doesn’t mean you have to like or even tolerate an addict’s behavior.
Empathizing with an addict simply means that you’re putting yourself in their shoes. You’re doing your best to understand their mindset and the struggles they’re going through.
Don’t let your kindness become a weakness, though.
If an addict is acting in a dangerous or destructive manner, call them out and stand your ground. You can still be a great friend while hating the disease.
Enabling only makes the situation worse.
Be Honest About Your Loved One’s Behavior
Most people don’t know how to address addiction. And that’s understandable.
It’s one thing to read about a topic, but another to experience it firsthand.
As a result, people think that talking with an addict has to be a big, dramatic blowout. On the contrary, talking to someone instead of at them always generates better results.
Be open and honest with your loved one. Let them know how their behavior is affecting those around them.
And don’t think you have to wait for an intervention to do so. While interventions are great tools, sometimes a conversation is all it takes for an addict to understand the gravity of the situation.
Research Treatment Options
Whether you choose to host an intervention or hold a one-on-one discussion, you’ll want to provide your loved one with treatment options.
Not all rehab facilities are the same. Location plays a huge role in a person’s recovery.
Beachside recovery programs, for instance, allow an addict to recover in a relaxing, peaceful environment. On the other hand, many rehab facilities may feel colder or impersonal, making the addict’s recovery process even more difficult.
Help Your Loved One With Drug Rehab in Florida
To sum things up, addiction is a complicated illness. However, it’s possible to overcome addiction and live a rich, full life.
If you’d like to learn more about drug rehab in Florida, be sure to contact us today.
We’d love to explore treatment options with you and outline our one-of-a-kind program.