For many people, addiction is a disease that needs to be cured. For others, it’s just a sign of weakness and makes them look bad in the eyes of society. This stigma can cause more problems for those who are addicted and their loved ones. In this article, we will explore one way to help your friend who is struggling with addiction: support.
The stigma of addiction is dangerous
The stigma of addiction can be dangerous and prevent friends and family members from helping those that are addicted. It is important to support your friend in overcoming their addiction by listening and encouraging them to go for professional treatment.
What should be emphasized is that addiction is an illness, and a person with an addiction will often find it difficult to articulate how they feel or why they do what they do. Make sure you listen to them. Don’t stop them from talking, but understand that their experiences are not about you. Let them know you are there whenever they need you if they need to talk.
Encourage them to seek professional treatment if they’re not already doing so
If you feel like you have tried everything and still can’t get through to your friend, then it’s a good idea to contact a professional for help. Remember that they are there to help your loved one – not you. Nowadays there are numerous websites like www.help4addiction.co.uk that offer professional help to those in need. They will be able to give whatever support he or she needs at the time. Let them know how much their addiction has affected you, but focus on supporting them in getting help with their addiction.
Your friend needs your support
Even though many people don’t understand what it is like to have an addiction, please know that most addicts did not choose this lifestyle and want treatment just as much as anyone else does. It’s important to remember that the more toxic relationships come from those who are not supportive, so be sure to do your best to help them feel comfortable in their current situation.
Remember to treat your friend as a person
When you are interacting with someone struggling with an addiction, they feel as if the world is treating them differently. They may feel alone and ashamed of themselves – and when people acknowledge their feelings by telling them that they are being overdramatic or that it’s all in their head, they feel even worse about who they are. Let your loved ones know that you care about them for who they are – not for what drug/alcohol they consumed. Remember to treat every addict as a friend!
It is important to remember that the stigma of addiction can be dangerous. This stigma impacts your friend and their ability to get professional treatment for mental health, as well as family or friends who are trying to support them in sobriety.
While it may feel hard at times, try not to let this feeling overwhelm you – rather than being judgmental about a person’s situation (or telling them how they should behave) listen when they talk, encourage them by letting them know that you care about them regardless of what drug/alcohol substance is involved with their addiction. Letting people know that we care will go a long way towards helping someone struggling with addiction!
