{"id":20110,"date":"2016-09-19T10:47:59","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T10:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/health\/?p=20110"},"modified":"2023-01-04T17:06:07","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T11:36:07","slug":"living-with-addiction-it-all-changes-when-its-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drprem.com\/globalhealthcare\/living-with-addiction-it-all-changes-when-its-family","title":{"rendered":"Living with Addiction: It All Changes When It\u2019s Family"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Hard drugs and bad life choices that happen as the result of the addiction are very easy to demonize when it doesn\u2019t directly affect you. It\u2019s easy to turn on the television or read a new story online about another incident fueled by drugs and get into the \u201cholier than thou\u201d position. When it\u2019s your mother, father, sister, or brother, however, the dialog will change.<\/p>\n

Signs of Addiction<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Living<\/p>\n

There is a common misconception about your typical, addicted drug user in the notion that they are this stereotypical junkie scoring their next hit in some dark alley and living on the streets collecting cans and scrap to keep it all going. However, functioning alcoholics, heroin addicts, and other opioid users can be your boss, coworker, or even your family member without you knowing.<\/p>\n

A functioning addict knows how to position themselves so they aren\u2019t caught. They are well aware of how much time it takes for medication to leave the system<\/a><\/strong>. They will continue with their everyday appearance but secretly take to the hard stuff when they can.<\/p>\n

Case in point:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Dipping out for \u201clunch\u201d to have a drink to keep their BAC levels strong<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Using business travel as an excuse to go on a binge before coming back home<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Having frequent ups and downs in mood and quality of work<\/p>\n

The list of these secretive signs of addiction go on and on.<\/p>\n

Approaching the Individual<\/b><\/p>\n

\"young<\/p>\n

Once you are absolutely sure the person in question shows signs of addiction, it\u2019s time to lay some real truth on them. The mind of an addict is always chasing for the next high; it\u2019s difficult not to be illogical in their decisions because the addiction is so strong, which is why you\u2019ll want to approach them in a very relaxed, logical manner.<\/p>\n

Before any of this, you should take the\u00a0time to understand what it\u2019s like choosing a rehab location [1] as this will give you the proper understanding of what you\u2019re suggesting versus a generalized sense of well-being and good intentions.<\/p>\n

Once you understand the process, it\u2019s time to confront the individual. The popular method is to hold an intervention but sometimes this can feel like a breach of privacy to the individual, which could backfire. Perhaps start slowly by reaching out to a rehab center that is experienced and local to their area to\u00a0gain some guidance [2]. From there begin showing concern and talk to them personally about the subject.<\/p>

\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

Do not project judgment.<\/i><\/p>\n

Remember that you are the concerned but understanding individual. You are there to offer guidance and support. Providing them with facts and a logical way to get out of the hole that is addiction is your best bet rather than backing them into a corner.<\/p>\n

On-Going Support<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Living<\/p>\n

Luckily we are in a society that has begun to shun the idea of demonizing users because we\u2019re learning more about psychology, addictive properties of drugs, and realizing that addiction isn\u2019t always living at rock bottom. We\u2019ve become compassionate about it when we have experienced it in our lives.<\/p>\n

For these reasons we are now providing better support for recovering addicts:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Rehabilitation programs for those that do hard time to ease them back into communities instead of \u201cdumping\u201d them on the streets where their only options are to get back into the game<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Disease awareness and the support related to those afflictions that may have been the result of using needles, unprotected sex, or bearing the elements while addicted [3]<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0 Local support groups and sponsorship to build accountability and stability<\/p>\n

Something as simple as being non-judgmental can go a long way with a recovering addict. If this person is a family member it\u2019s best to continually send positive messages and love their direction. They may falter at times and may even relapse but now they have a support network and as long as that\u2019s there they will be able to climb back out of the hole.<\/p>\n

I say all this because I\u2019ve seen it destroy a large chunk of family members’ lives. I don\u2019t blame them for their actions because that\u2019s the nature of addiction. I\u2019m glad they are in recovery and I\u2019m especially glad that we are no longer throwing them to the dogs as we would have some decades ago.<\/p>\n

You never know who may be an addict in your family because the signs aren\u2019t always there; it can be difficult to connect the dots. Luckily information like this is available and hopefully, it will help you notice the signs and take appropriate action. Stay strong for them.<\/p>\n

Sources & Resources:<\/i><\/p>\n

[1]\u00a0https:\/\/www.cafemom.com\/journals\/read\/1703377\/Key_Tips_to_Finding_a_Health_Rehab_Locati<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

[2]\u00a0https:\/\/clinicalservicesri.com\/new-england-treatment\/<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

[3]\u00a0https:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/related-topics\/medical-consequences-drug-abuse<\/i><\/p>\n

Article Submitted By Community Writer<\/p>\n

\n

\r\n <\/a><\/p>\r\n