Caring for a friend or a relative with a drug addiction can be very stressful. At times, the addict’s behavior, financial and legal problems can be so overwhelming that you may feel like leaving them alone. However, ignoring them can be damaging to you and the whole family. As unbearable as it may be, it’s necessary to ensure the person gets help.
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How Can You Tell If a Person is Using Drugs?
The following clues can hint to you if someone is taking drugs:
- If you come across burnt foil probably used for smoking heroin
- Used syringes
- Presence of plastic sealable bags
- Small rolls of paper or cling wrap used for wrapping drugs
- If you notice plastic bottles or cans
- Sudden change in mood or behavior and lack of interest in job or hobbies
- If they stop worrying about personal grooming and avoiding responsibilities
- Red eyes, runny nose, and frequent shaking
- Changed sleep patterns
How to Help a Person Overcome Drugs Addiction
Have Realistic Expectations
Tell the patient the truth and avoid raising their hopes of getting healed tomorrow, but rather tell them that the treatment is a long process. Avoid lecturing them even if they don’t keep promises. You are better off not arguing with them since you may start a fight.
Please Encourage them to Get Help
The earlier the disease is treated, the easier it is to manage and control. However, the addict may give out excuses why they aren’t ready to seek treatment. Others may be in denial, and it may take a lot of effort to convince them to seek treatment. Talk to them and avoid blaming them or making them feel guilty about their condition. The more you persist, the more likely they’ll accept treatment. Get the best treatment from a professional here https://www.infiniterecovery.com/.
Establish Trust
If the addict has broken your trust once, it may be hard to regain it. They may have lied to you about their condition first, and you may feel betrayed, especially if it’s your partner. However, trust is two-way. You also need to keep the sickness private and avoid informing everyone else about it. While you may want to assist an addict, avoid protecting them from the consequences of their actions.
Learn About Addiction
Knowledge is power. Use the internet, books, or any other place you’ll gain the information you need to know about drugs. With that, you will be able to assist your patient with ease. However, addiction is complex, and you may not get everything at a go. Do not be hard on yourself; learn at your pace.
Seek Support
Seek financial, psychological, and emotional help to be able to cope with the situation. Look for help earlier before you get worn out. Remember, you aren’t alone, many people are taking care of addicts worldwide, and they have hope that their patients will overcome. You can also join Facebook and WhatsApp groups created by people taking care of addicts and get encouragement.
Take Care of Yourself
You may sympathize with the patient and forget to take care of yourself. It’s essential to find time for socializing, getting enough sleep, eating well, personal grooming, etc.
Look for Counseling
Guidance and counseling shouldn’t be for the addict alone. You may get so overwhelmed and stressed, and thus, you’ll need such services. You can consult your counselor or someone you trust and talk things out.
The journey to drug addiction recovery isn’t easy, and maintaining sobriety is also harder. Therefore, do not halt your support. Know the triggers of drug use and help the addicts to avoid them. However, the decision to stop taking drugs and other substances lies with a person. If you’ve done your part and the patient decides to lapse back into drug use, refer them to support groups.