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When someone you love experiences addiction, it can be difficult to relate to their experiences or to know how to help. Connecting with others and learning how to support yourself will reduce feelings of isolation and put you in the best possible position to help your loved one.
We spoke with Megen, Addictions Counsellor, to learn the positive changes that can happen when you seek support to cope with a loved one’s addiction.
1. You’ll understand the importance of being well-informed
When loved ones are facing challenging times, you may feel helpless and not know how to support them. When you take the time to learn and understand the steps your loved one is taking to get better, it can be beneficial for you too.
When we help ourselves, we can become the centre of change. No matter where your loved one is on their path to getting better, your decision to educate yourself can help jumpstart the change.
2. You’ll see the benefit of speaking with others going through similar experiences
People may avoid seeking help because they don’t think others will understand. They're afraid of judgment and feel shame for the situation their loved one is in. Engaging with others going through similar challenges can help you realize that many people feel the same way you do.
Group settings are a great place to connect and learn about concrete tools that will make a difference for you and your loved one. It allows you to break out of isolation, express your feelings and receive validation that you are not alone.
3. Your thought patterns will change
By speaking with others and learning more about addiction, your thought patterns will change.
Learning the basics of addictions and their impact on behaviour helps us understand what our loved one is going through on a different level. When your loved one is making decisions that seem to have a negative outcome, understanding what happens to our brains and emotions when we use substances is very helpful.
4. You’ll have a better understanding of your loved one and how to help
When everybody learns to understand the process and stages of change within addictions, you start to see families make changes together as a unit. This is where the biggest growth comes from.
A lot of the family members I work with say they learn to stop scolding and lecturing about what appears to be bad decisions made while their loved ones are using. When they provide appropriate support, their loved one feels better understood and their steps to getting better progress from there.
Help is here: join Osler’s free OHIP-covered family and friends program
Osler has a free, OHIP-covered family and friends program dedicated to creating a safe space for discussion and to surrounding yourself with others experiencing similar situations.
You will learn strategies on how to cope with addiction in the family—both on how to support your loved one and how to support yourself.
Interested in our 12-week virtual program?
To register, call 905-494-2120 ext. 29385 for a confidential self-referral.
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