When
someone has an addiction, it affects another person's mental health. Addictions
to drugs, alcohol, smoking, and other substances cause someone to lose control.
The desire to use drugs in high quantities makes someone to be compulsive. Over
time, the person you once knew becomes a stranger to you because of the
addiction to alcohol and abuse of substances. There is an emotional change that
makes them have a new personality due to the mental control the drug has on the
brain.
This causes more
anxiety to them and you without realizing it. Someone with an addiction has
mental and physical impairments due to excessive drug and alcohol use. Although
you do not have an addiction, your spouse or family member who has the
addiction creates verbal and mental abuse on you. The worst part is that the
person with the addiction is not aware of what he or she says about you. The
drugs or substances they use hurts them physically and psychologically.
Often as a
spouse, family member, or friend, it is challenging to help someone with an
addiction. A person's addiction can get severe depending on the number of years
the same drugs or new drugs have been misused. It is painful to see someone you
care about go through an untreated addiction. No matter how much you want them
to let go of misusing drugs, they may not want your help. Addictions hurt them
financially and socially as they cannot live without using substances.
Yet, there are
cases where someone with an addiction does want to change, accept, and quit
using alcohol with drugs. But it is necessary to speak to them in a non-violent
manner so they can accept their addiction before they begin their recovery
process. If they do not want to listen to you for any reason, have someone else
intervene to help them accept their addiction. They might want to withdraw from
your friendship or your relationship with them without giving you excuses. Give
them time and space so they can comprehend how much they have hurt you verbally
and emotionally.
If for some
reason, they do not accept their addiction or are too offended with you; Be
patient with them. Do not blame them for their addictions. Addictions arise
from unemployment, financial hardships, low self-esteem, insecurities, peer
pressure, genetics, or a family history of addictions. Furthermore, getting the
resources needed for them might help them with rehabilitation from alcohol and
substance abuse. Caring for and supporting them might not be enough if they do
not accept their addiction.
Take care of your
mental health. Check in with the person who is struggling with the addiction.
But do not let your preoccupation take over your life, making you feel
depressed. Worrying too much about them is not going to help you mentally and
physically. Do not feel shame or feel selfish because your mental wellness is
so important.
You cannot always
be there for them, and it might not be enough to heal them from their
addictions. Their offspring, family members, or spouse might be a remedy for
them to accept their addictions. Yet, be aware of how you feel when you see
them behave with their addictions. Distance yourself and set boundaries if you
need to recharge yourself mentally. Care for yourself.
Be there for them
if they want you to be a part of their life. Let them accept their addiction
when they are ready to quit alcohol and substance abuse. Moving forward with
patience and setting aside their addiction is a good contribution to your
relationship with them. Read educational resources and help them emotionally if
there is a relapse. Here are websites about helping someone with addictions.
Helping a Friend with an Addiction:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2255
SAMHSA National Helpline:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
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