How To Talk To A Loved One About Addiction Near Boston

It’s quite common for you to notice the signals of drug or alcohol use in a loved one before they do. Having problems dealing with responsibilities, being secretive or defensive about using, or appearing sickly can all be indicators of addiction.

But how should you speak with them about this troubling subject? The last thing you want to do is push away a person who is struggling with drug or alcohol use disorder. Here’s how to talk to a loved one about addiction near Boston and how to start them on the recovery path.

Discuss Their Addiction Somewhere They Are Most Comfortable

Confronting a person you love about their substance use disorder is known as an intervention. This is when you tell them that you are aware they have an issue and want them to get professional treatment.

Talking about their addiction will probably be difficult for them. Help them feel calm by hosting the intervention somewhere familiar, like their residence or a favorite meeting place. If you want some assistance, call other friends or family who know and care about this individual. You also should select a starting time when you’ll have ample time to talk.

Be Direct And Honest

When addressing addiction, you have to be straightforward. Don’t sidestep the matter or turn to perplexing euphemisms. Tell your family member or friend that you are worried about their alcohol or drug use. Tell them the signals of addiction you have seen, such as being secretive, withdrawing from family and friends, avoiding obligations, or partaking in unsafe behavior. Detail the withdrawal symptoms that you’ve witnessed, like how they become uncomfortable and moody when they abstain from their substance. Impress upon them that you are concerned about their safety, care for them, and would like to help.

Your loved one could respond in a negative fashion. In spite of how lovingly you address them, they may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or angry. Keep speaking calmly but directly. Don’t bicker or shout. Don’t forget, your goal is to help them better their lives, not feel more inadequate.

Let Them Speak

Your friend or family member could feel ambushed or overwhelmed if you do all the talking. Provide them a chance to answer when they want to. They might have little to say at first. Or, they could get quarrelsome. Let them express themselves and avoid being judgmental. Don't force them if they aren’t prepared to talk or agree to help. Inform them you’re able to converse when they want, and you will take it up again in the near future.

Set And Hold Your Boundaries

A substance use disorder is harmful to more than the individual consuming alcohol or drugs. If your friend’s or family member’s addiction is having an impact on you, make it known. Create limits to prevent it from affecting you further. That could include informing them you cannot provide them with money anymore or they aren’t able to communicate with susceptible family members until they start recovery. If they oppose those limitations, be firm. Boundaries shield you and demonstrate how adamant you are about this situation.

Make An Offer To Help Them Get Treatment

Requesting treatment for addiction is intimidating, so extend an offer to help your friend or family member. This is among the most critical elements of how to talk to a loved one about their addiction near Boston. Investigate addiction treatment centers and come prepared with whatever you find. Offer to make the call, give them a ride, or help pay for care, if possible. If they decline treatment today, tell them you’ll hold onto the documentation you discovered and help them when they’re ready to move forward.

Learn More About How To Talk To A Loved One About Addiction Near Boston

Need help getting drug or alcohol use treatment for someone you care about? Evolve Recovery Center Millbury is your respected local substance use treatment center. Call us at 508-475-5676 or fill out the form on this page to speak with us immediately about starting care. We take calls 24 hours a day, all year long. We’re here for you and your loved one whenever you need us.