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Category: Young Persons MS Support

How to Help a Loved One Dealing with Addiction

How to Help a Loved One Dealing with Addiction

Loving someone who’s struggling in the grip of addiction is heartbreaking. All you want to do is help. But here’s the thing: there’s a thin and blurry line between helping and enabling an addict. And it’s extremely easy to end up on the wrong side of that line. That’s why experts in the field believe this is an important discussion to have. Here’s how to help a loved one dealing with addiction!

Educate yourself

There’s no use trying to support a person dealing with addiction without understanding addiction itself. Once you know more about SUD, you can get information about how it is treated, learn about different treatment options for their addiction, learn how to approach your loved one about their addiction and encourage them to seek help.

Adjust your expectations

Don’t expect a single conversation to fix the problem. Addiction distorts the user’s reality. To them, lies often do not feel like lies, so be prepared for denial. Similarly, self-destruction feels like survival. So, excessive shaming and criticizing, lecturing, and alike won’t work either. Stop trying to find the switch – it doesn’t work like that.

Set healthy boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for both you and the addicted loved one. So, set them lovingly and as often as you feel the need to. Make the consequences of crossing those boundaries as clear as possible. And, finally, always follow through.

Let them make mistakes

Addicts are more likely to proactively seek professional help if they’re allowed to make mistakes without the promise of their supporter’s rescue. So, if you want to help a loved one dealing with addiction, let them reap what they sow.

Encourage them to seek help

Helping someone you love with their addiction may feel like one of the loneliest places in the world. But don’t forget that you’re not on your own. Encourage them to schedule a doctor’s appointment, a counseling session, or a peer support group meeting. Be optimistic and supportive, and emphasize that you will be there for them every step of the way.

Relapse isn’t a sign of failure. Naturally, you can always help them plan their best defense for relapse prevention. For instance, you can educate yourself about relapse prevention, learn how to identify high-risk behaviors and devise a plan for triggers and cravings.

Don’t fight their battles

Want to help a loved one dealing with addiction? You can love them and support them. However, you cannot fight their battles for them, no matter how much you might want to.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #addiction #understandingaddiction #relapseprevention #sud #selfdestruction #boundaries


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Mr Tibbles The MS Cat Reporter

Mr Tibbles The MS Reporter Cat
‘Mr Tibbles’ The MS Cat Reporter!

Mr Tibbles The MS Cat Reporter

In a quiet, cozy little neighborhood, Mr. Tibbles, the Cat Reporter, was in the midst of drafting an article on the importance of emotional support for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. His human, Zena, had been sharing her own experiences and insights, which inspired him to explore this delicate topic further. Little did he know that his next story would take an unexpected turn.

One sunny afternoon, as Mr. Tibbles was diligently pawing at his keyboard, he heard a faint sobbing coming from the house next door. Being the curious and compassionate cat he was, he decided to investigate. As he entered through the open window, he found a young girl named Sarah, curled up on her bed, tears streaming down her face.

Sarah had just had a heated argument with her boyfriend, James. The quarrel had left her feeling shattered and alone, her heart heavy with sorrow. She hadn’t realized how much she needed someone to talk to until Mr. Tibbles entered the room, his soft fur and gentle presence immediately calming her.

With a knowing look in his wise eyes, Mr. Tibbles approached Sarah and nuzzled her cheek, offering silent but unwavering support. Feeling comforted by his presence, Sarah began to talk, pouring her heart out to the understanding feline. She told him about the argument, her fears, and her worries about her relationship with James.

Mr. Tibbles listened intently, his purring growing louder as if to say, “It’s going to be okay.” He didn’t offer solutions or advice; instead, he provided the invaluable gift of being a non-judgmental and empathetic listener.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Sarah’s tears had transformed into smiles, thanks to the unexpected friendship she found in Mr. Tibbles. His simple act of being there for her had made a world of difference.

Over the following days, Mr. Tibbles continued to visit Sarah, offering his comforting presence whenever she needed it. He became her confidant and, in a way, her silent therapist. Sarah also realized that sometimes, taking a step back and talking about one’s feelings was the first step towards resolving conflicts and strengthening relationships.

As time passed, the bond between Sarah and Mr. Tibbles grew stronger. In the process, Mr. Tibbles learned an important lesson himself: that sometimes, the most profound acts of support could be as simple as being there to lend an ear or a furry shoulder to lean on. His next article on emotional support took on a deeper meaning, as it was now inspired by his firsthand experience in helping a young girl find solace and healing in the warmth of his presence.

#mentalhealth #ms #multiplescerosis #emotionalsupport #counselling #youngpersonsmentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #depression