Do you love an ADDICT? How to support someone with substance abuse.

When you love someone who is struggling with substance abuse, you can feel helpless, powerless and its a horrible feeling. When someone is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse it really makes their loved ones suffer, especially partners. 

Ways to Support Someone Struggling with Addiction

• Commit to the Journey: Decide whether you’re ready to support them in the long term. Recovery takes time, and consistency matters.

• Show Your Support: Let them know you’re there for them, without judgment or pressure.

• Accept the Reality: Understand that you cannot change their addiction on your own. Acknowledge the situation rather than trying to control it.

• Stand by Them Through Setbacks: Relapse is a part of recovery for many. If they slip up, don’t abandon them—encourage them to keep going.

• Avoid Emotional Appeals: Express your feelings honestly, but don’t guilt-trip, preach, or threaten them. Constant emotional pressure can push them further away.

• Do Not Enable Their Addiction: Avoid engaging in substance use with them. For instance, if your partner struggles with alcohol abuse, don’t drink around them.

• Remove Yourself if Necessary: If they are using, step away from the situation and environment to maintain healthy boundaries.

• Remind Them They Need Support: Make it clear that overcoming addiction isn’t something they can do alone—they need the help of loved ones and professionals.

• Be Consistent: Stick to your boundaries, expectations, promises, and the consequences of actions. Consistency helps build trust and accountability.

• Celebrate Their Progress: Give encouragement and recognition when they reach a milestone or make positive choices. Celebrate their wins, no matter how small.

• Understand Their Recovery Plan: Learn about their treatment program and any routine changes so you can support them in a way that aligns with their process.

• Practice Healthy Communication: Be assertive yet compassionate. Compromise when needed, but maintain clear and honest communication.

• Encourage Professional Help: Don’t place the full burden of seeking help on them. Offer guidance by researching therapists, support groups, or programs they can reach out to, but allow them to take the step themselves.

• Lead by Example: Adopt a healthy lifestyle yourself—whether it’s avoiding substances, practicing self-care, or maintaining positive habits.

• Support, but Don’t Enable: Never cover for them or shield them from responsibilities. They must face the consequences of their actions in order to truly heal and grow.

Dealing with the daily effects of your partner’s struggles can be challenging. While you cannot control their actions, you can offer support and positive influence. If there are underlying issues contributing to their substance abuse, encourage them to seek help to address those concerns. This may involve a separate program specifically designed to tackle the root causes of their addiction.

Their actions may hurt you emotionally—whether through things they have done, said, or even failed to do. Understand that their intent is not to harm you; rather, they are making poor decisions due to their struggles. However, their journey should not consume your own. Your life must continue, and prioritizing self-love and self-care is essential.

What You Can Do for Yourself

• Prioritise Self-Care: Establish a self-love and care routine that nurtures your well-being.

• Set Boundaries: Protect yourself by limiting your exposure to their substance use.

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the substance they are struggling with, including its effects, signs, and symptoms, to better understand their behaviour.

• Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or someone who can offer guidance and emotional support.

• Join a Support Group: Connect with others who have loved ones battling addiction—look for local or online groups for families and partners.

• Accept What You Can’t Control: If you choose to stay, recognise that their recovery is their responsibility, and you cannot force change.

• Maintain Your Own Life: Surround yourself with a strong support network and continue focusing on your personal goals, well-being, and happiness.

#love #addiction #support #counselling