Helping Your Loved One Beat Opiate Addiction

by | Apr 25, 2018 | Health

Opiate addiction is on the rise, and if your loved one is becoming dependent on drugs like Oxycontin or Vicodin, they may be at risk. If you’re noticing warning signs of addition in your loved one, it’s in your interest to intervene. Helping a loved one through addiction can be emotionally taxing an may present a challenge, but there are a few simple ways to begin the journey.

Offer Understanding

While it’s normal to feel emotions like frustration and anger, it’s also important to understand that your loved one is in pain. Talk to your loved one about their addiction when they are sober, and try to understand the difficulties they are having. While it may be difficult to relate, it’s important to offer compassion and understanding. Your loved one may be suffering in silence and unaware that you are willing to help with their recovery.

Avoid Shaming

Contrary to popular belief, making an addict feel bad about their behavior can be incredibly detrimental to their disease. While some may advocate “tough love” as a solution, shaming your loved one might make them fall deeper into substance abuse and depression, as it may cause them to feel hopeless and beyond help.

Know When to Suggest Professional Help

Sometimes, “just stopping” is not enough to beat addiction. As Addiction Alternatives states, going cold turkey can be incredibly dangerous, with potentially severe withdrawal symptoms. This is one of many facilities that offer suboxone treatment for opiate addiction in Florida. Suboxone is a drug which, similar to methadone, can help treat the disease of addiction. And according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medically-assisted suboxone treatment can prove to be highly effective. While seeking help at a medical facility or detox center can seem embarrassing or make the patient feel as if they are weak, it’s often the best choice for success. Don’t be afraid to suggest professional help in a kind and understanding manner. Offer to come with your loved one for an appointment or consultation and offer non-judgemental support.

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