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Drug Addiction

Posted on Monday, January 14, 2019
With Holidays approaching, are you missing some family due to some issues they are having? How does one overcome and understand drug addiction? Can you help someone if they are not ready to accept the help themselves?

Family Watchdog does not have any of the answers to any of these questions. Because each case is different and each person's situation is different.

We want you to know that you are not alone. According to American Addiction Centers, 21.5 MILLION American adults (aged 12 and older) are currently battling substance abuse. Substance abuse can come in many forms: prescription medication abuse, street drugs, or even alcohol abuse.

How can you help someone with addiction issues?
- Be the best friend or family member you can be. Be supportive, understanding and listen. Make sure to show empathy to that person to let them know that they are not alone and will be supported. Treat that person like you would want to be treated if you were to happen to be in those shoes.
- Make sure to communicate your concern without being over bearing. Ask permission to be involved and don't be afraid to ask those tough questions.
- Research and learn about that drug on your own. Better understanding a situation and the grip it can hold on someone can better help how you look at that person and their addiction.
- If that person wants help, be the backbone and help that person. Research together treatments, meetings and how involved you will be in the recovery process with that person. Make sure to discuss and set personal boundaries. How many times will you help this person? Are you going to help financially? These are things that NEED to be discussed if you are a support person.

Make sure to take care of yourself, your family and your needs before drowning in helping someone else if you are unable to do so. There is a very thin line that you need to make a thick line between being a support person and being an enabler. Make sure you learn to tell the difference between the two!
We have seen the show intervention and let me tell you what, you CANNOT force someone into recovery if they are not ready.

Because addiction varies from person to person and case to case so much we suggest doing a ton of research on your own. Talk to recovery places, join support groups through churches or even Facebook from others who have been in your shoes or the addicts shoes. We want to warn you that there are a TON of websites all over the internet promising rehab for free and getting someone clean guaranteed - for a small price. PLEASE be careful of these sites! We have ran across so many trying to take people's money in return for false hopes.

You are NOT alone and Family Watchdog wanted to let you know that during this hard time. Reach out for help with other family if you need to!

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