There are millions of people who are affected by drug and alcohol addictions. This is certainly extremely dangerous for the addict, but it also has a lasting and detrimental affect on those who live with or care for them. Dealing with an addicted loved one can cause huge amounts of stress in your life. Addicts can become a major burden on those around them both physically and mentally. Addicts often have no idea that they are creating such problems for those around them. They may believe that they don’t have a problem and it is just how they have chosen to live. Many times, people become addicted to drugs or alcohol because they started out just doing it in social situations and because it feels good. Unfortunately, as their body becomes used to the drug, it begins to require more and more of that substance to get the same level of euphoria as at first. They may become defensive and even violent when confronted about their addiction. So how do you deal with someone close to you who has become addicted to drugs or alcohol? Here are a few tips to help you cope with the situation, and help them to want to change.

• Stop facilitating their addiction. You may not even realize that you are enabling an addict to continue their addiction. You may find yourself giving them money, sticking up for them when they are lying, lying for them, or defending them if they are in trouble. You are doing this out of love for them and an attempt to protect them from harm or difficulties. Unfortunately, this is hurting them much more than it helps. A person needs to feel the full brunt of the consequences of their addiction before they will realize that they need to change. This doesn’t mean that you desert them. You should continue to show love for them and concern, but you have to let them face their addiction head on.
• Seek out a professional addiction therapist. There is nothing wrong with seeking out help in this situation. Most people have no idea how to cope with such a situation and it is very common to need additional help from someone who has experience and training in this area. They will not only help you, but they can work with your loved one to help them want to quit and repair their relationships with others.
• Attend Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meetings. Just as drug and alcohol addicts are encouraged to attend meetings with others who are dealing with similar problems, you should also attend meetings where you can have a support group. Use the opportunity to express your feelings, concerns, and hopes with others who are in similar situations and can offer some comfort and help to you in this difficult time.
• Avoid preaching to the addict. No one likes being told what to do or how to live their lives. These lectures will most likely end up in a power struggle and the addict will refuse to listen to you. This will get you no where.
• Provide productive help and encouragement. Rather than enable them to continue their addiction, actively help them to make changes like finding a job, starting a new hobby, seeking spiritual guidance, or meeting new people who are sober and can provide a healthy environment.
• Stage an intervention. Do not try to do this alone. Find a professional therapist, counselor, or interventionist who can be an unbiased moderator. Invite anyone who the addict loves, or trusts who desires the best for your addicted loved one. Have a spokesperson for the group. It doesn’t need to be a situation where everyone has to speak their mind and overload the person with feelings of regret. One person can speak for the group and the rest can offer support and encouragement.
• Encourage them to seek treatment. If the addict expresses any desire to stop drinking or doing drugs they need to be in a sober living environment where they do not have access to their substance of choice. There are many treatment centers available that can be affordable and extremely effective in helping your loved one to make important changes in their life. These treatment centers provide a structured environment where your loved one will be expected to make changes and have responsibilities that will allow them to stop their addictions.

Even though there is a ton of stress that you are facing when someone you love and care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is hope and help available to you. You are not alone in your situation and there are plenty of people who want to offer help to you and your loved one. It is simply up to you to start the ball rolling by providing love, a good example, and proactively seeking for professional help for your loved one who is struggling with addiction.