How to support someone with Substance use disorder
What are substance use disorders?
Substance use disorder is a problematic pattern of substance use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Key indicators include taking larger amounts than intended, a persistent desire to reduce use, excessive time spent on substance-related activities, cravings, and continued use despite negative social consequences. Additional signs include engaging in risky behaviors while using, developing tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe, reflecting the complex nature of addiction.
how to support?
Noticing signs and symptoms
Signs of substance abuse in a loved one can manifest through various troubling behaviors and health issues. They may struggle at work, school, or home, often appearing high, taking excessive time off, and suffering from declining performance or responsibilities, potentially leading to job loss or relationship breakdowns. Physical symptoms can include changes in sleep patterns, noticeable fatigue, weight fluctuations, and cognitive issues, alongside specific signs like sniffing or shaking, depending on the substance used. Mood and behavioral changes are also common; the individual may become secretive, lie about their activities, and exhibit irritability or anger, particularly when confronted. Additionally, financial problems may arise as they accumulate debt or steal to fund their drug use, further complicating their situation.
Looking out for drug paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia describes tools and accessories associated with the consumption, preparation, or storage of drugs. You can often identify a loved one’s substance abuse by noticing the presence of drug paraphernalia. Common items include paper wraps, cling film, and tiny plastic bags for storing drugs, as well as rolling papers, pipes, bongs, or altered bottles and cans for smoking. Signs of heroin use may include burnt foil, spoons, and syringes. Additionally, those misusing prescription medications might frequently renew prescriptions or possess medication bottles that are prescribed to someone else.
Making the decision to help
When considering whether to speak to a friend about their potential addiction, it's natural to feel conflicted, particularly due to fears of overstepping or getting involved in their life. However, it's crucial to recognize that substance addiction is a significant health risk. While you might hope someone else will intervene, it's essential to take the initiative rather than wait for others. Additionally, if past actions have hurt you, acknowledging your own feelings is vital in approaching the conversation with empathy and understanding.
Having a conversation about their substance abuse
When addressing a friend’s substance use, avoid talking to them while they're drunk or high, and choose a quiet, neutral location away from alcohol. Focus the conversation on how their behavior affects what they care about most, like their career or children, since they may be more concerned about those aspects than their own situation. Be prepared for a range of reactions, including sadness or anger, and think about how to respond calmly, including the option to leave if necessary. Listen actively to your friend, as feeling heard can help them see you as a supportive confidant. Understand that this conversation is likely just the beginning; overcoming addiction is a complex process that often requires multiple discussions before they recognize their problem and begin the journey toward recovery.
Stage and intervention
An intervention is typically a last resort to help someone acknowledge their need for treatment, but it can provoke anger in the addict, who may feel attacked. If you decide to organize one, it’s essential that everyone involved approaches it with compassion and understanding. The goal should be to address the disease of addiction, not to criticize the individual, avoiding any feelings of bullying or shame.
Support their recovery
Adjust your recovery expectations, as they differ for each person; some may achieve total abstinence, while others might only cut back. Encourage your loved one to seek support to enhance their chances of success, and offer to help them access that assistance. It’s crucial to address any underlying issues, like mental health problems, to promote long-term recovery. While helping them manage cravings and triggers, emphasize their responsibility for their own sobriety. Encourage them to explore new interests to avoid falling back into old habits, and
accept that relapse can happen; if it does, support them in recommitting to their recovery, viewing each setback as a learning opportunity.
Set healthy boundaries
When a loved one struggles with drug addiction, it’s tempting to shield them from the consequences, a behavior known as "enabling." This can involve covering for them, taking over their responsibilities, prioritizing their feelings, rearranging your life, or providing financial support when they face difficulties due to their substance use. Although this may seem supportive, enabling actually perpetuates their addiction and harms your own well-being.
It's usually essential to hold them responsible for their actions by setting clear limits or boundaries regarding acceptable This includes prohibiting drug use and paraphernalia in your home, avoiding cover-ups for missed responsibilities, requiring timely payment of their share of bills, refusing financial assistance for debts or legal issues, and insisting on mutual respect at all times.
references
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
Helping Someone with a Drug Addiction – HelpGuide.org. (2021, April 7). HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/helping-someone-with-drug-addiction
Helping a Friend with an Addiction – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). http://Www.urmc.rochester.edu. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2255