How To Help People With Addiction

How To Diagnose Compulsive Gambling

How to Help Someone With an Addiction

Experts dont know specifically what leads to compulsive gambling. Many factors could contribute to the problem, such as hereditary or environmental factors. Diagnosing a gambling problem involves looking for signs someone is out of control. Possible signs of a gambling problem include:

Spending more money on gambling than one can afford
Difficulties in personal relationships caused by gambling
Gambling getting in the way of work
An inability to cut back or stop gambling
Spending more time gambling than before
Attempting to hide gambling from friends or medical professionals
Stealing or committing fraud to support gambling
Asking for loans to cover gambling debts

How Can I Tell If My Friend Is Addicted To Drugs

Their behaviour, their physical appearance, and certain stuff in their environment can provide clues as to whether your friend might be addicted to drugs.

Behavioural clues

sudden changes in behaviour or mood swings
withdrawal from family members and old friendship groups
carelessness about personal grooming
loss of interest in hobbies, sports or other favourite activities
neglect of responsibilities.

red, glassy or bloodshot eyes, or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal
sniffing or a runny nose
frequent nosebleeds
shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination
sudden weight loss or weight gain.

Other clues

The following items could also be a sign of addiction:

spoons and syringes
small, resealable baggies that could be used to store drugs
pipes, plastic bottles, or cans that have been pierced or tampered with
burnt foil
stuff missing, such as money, valuables or prescription drugs.

Mindfulness As A Spiritual Practice

Mindfulness is a spiritual practice that involves purposely paying attention to the present moment. This means that the individual is completely focused on what they are doing now and not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. When the person is doing something they really enjoy, they will be naturally mindful. The problem is that for the rest of the time, people can be lost in their heads. It is not necessary to sit in a certain position or learn any mantras to be mindful. The individual can be mindful no matter what they’re doing so long as they remember to focus on what is there right now. By doing this, the individual will be able to turn almost any activity into a spiritual one.

If you believe that spirituality is a subjective experience involving meaning-making and a connection with something greater, then indeed, a dedicated mindfulness practice often becomes a spiritual practice. From this point of view, one can ascribe to any particular religious traditionor to none at all, and enjoy a deep spiritual life.

Don’t Miss: Does Alcohol Addiction Run In Families

Encourage Them To Get Help

As with other diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better. However, dont be surprised if youre met with denial or excuses as to why they cant or wont seek treatment. Be persistent about how important it is that they enter treatment for their addiction, but avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed in the process.

Another option is to hold an intervention for your loved one. Although these are often difficult to do, an intervention may be exactly what your loved one needs if theyre deep into their addiction. Consider bringing in an intervention specialist to help you navigate this process.

Dont: Be An Enabler Know When And Where To Draw The Line

Substance abusers become skilled in negotiation and manipulation after a while. It is these qualities that allow them to navigate the many obstacles between them and continuing to abuse. There will always be excuses, lies, and bargaining that an addict will try to get people to continue enabling their habit, which can be anything from giving them money, asking them for rides, or letting them stay a few nights on someones couch.

Friends and family are especially prey to these machinations, when dealing with addiction. It will be difficult not to try to help someone who is abusing, but they will always define help as something that enables them to feed their addiction and never to get professional support.

Thats why its essential to know when and where to draw the line between actual help and support or enabling .

Also Check: How To Deal With An Addict In Denial

Signs You Are A Shopaholic

Where does one draw the line between a shopping hobby and an addiction? Researchers at Bergen University have developed a tool to answer this question. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale adapts criteria from other addictions.

If someone shows 4 out of the 7 behaviors on the scale, they likely have a shopping addiction:

Obsessing about shopping all the time

Shopping to improve one’s mood

Buying more items to feel the same satisfaction as before

Buying so much one cannot meet daily responsibilities such as school

Buying so much it has affected one’s well-being

Being unable to cut back on shopping, even if one wishes to do so

Feeling bad if one cannot shop

Stay Involved In Their Life To Encourage Them To Overcome The Habit

Gamblers are more likely to backslide when the loved ones in their life arent around during the day.

In order to encourage the success of the gambler in overcoming the addiction, it is best to keep in touch and make sure they are engaging in better decision making.

Let them know you are proud of their progress and encourage them after a backsliding incident to start fresh and try harder.

Following A Few Guidelines Will Help You Have A Discussion:

If the problem has only occurred over a short period of time or has not reached a severe stage, it is possible that the adult you care about could successfully cut back on the use of alcohol or other drugs. If the person has not tried cutting back, you could suggest this strategy as a first step. Some people in the risky stages of substance use, or even in the early stage of addiction, are able to cut back and consistently use only minimal amounts in the future.

You may find, though as many do that people who can cut back are the exception, not the rule. Many people try to cut down and discover that they cant, or that they can only cut back for a few days or a few weeks before resuming heavy or excessive use. Trying to cut down and failing may help the person realize that the problem is more extensive than once thought.

You may also find that the person is able to stop completely. But many struggling with addiction have tried this strategy and couldnt stop or remain abstinent for a significant amount of time. Ideally, the person should be assessed by a professional who can determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the problem and the persons medical, psychological, and social history. If you sense the person is willing to consider that there is a problem, suggest that an evaluation or a consultation with a trusted medical or mental health professional.

How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction

How to help someone with drug addiction

If you think that someone you love is addicted to drugs, its important to handle the situation carefully. Before you talk to your loved one about help or treatment options for their drug addiction, you need to approach them about the problem.

Its important that you dont confront your loved one in a way that will cause an argument.
Its common for those abusing drugs to get angry and defensive easily, so you need to approach the situation with care.1
Its natural to be afraid to approach your loved one about drug use, because of the uncertainty of how they will react.
You can approach your loved one with compassion and empathy and ask if they will consider getting the help they need.1

A variety of drug addiction treatment centers and therapeutic approaches exist to best match the specific needs of each individual. Whether youre looking for inpatient or outpatient treatment, there are many options out there for anyone looking to take their life back from substance abuse.

You May Like: What’s The Most Addictive Drug

S You Can Take To Overcome Addiction

There is a ton of information out there about addiction recovery, and there are always new theories and science that lead to new programs. Recommending the best program or way to recover from addiction is a loaded topic because each individual will respond to something different. Its important to know that there is no right or wrong approach in fact, the only right approach is the one that works for you!

Its also worth mentioning that there are many stories of recovered addicts who quit using without the help of any recovery programs! Some have turned to their churches or have received paid incentives for clean drug tests. Some have received psychiatric help or used cognitive behavioral therapy. And there are even people who simply outgrew their addictions. These people are usually those who used drugs and alcohol in their teens and 20s and then found a life that was more fulfilling, either through meaningful relationships, work, or other interests.

With all that in mind, here are some steps that you can take to help with recovery:

Dont Play the Blame Game. It is easy to place blame when in the throes of addiction or when dealing with an addict. Its important to understand that the addict is not to blame for his/her addiction, but that s/he must take sole and soul responsibility for recovering from it.

Can Addiction Be Cured

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.7 There is no simple cure for addiction however, effective treatment can help you become and stay sober.7 You will have to manage your addiction throughout your life, the same way a diabetic has to manage their condition with ongoing efforts like a proper diet and exercise.8

While some recovering drug users will experience cravings for months or years, treatment gives you the tools youll need to live a happy and healthy life without substance abuse.

Recommended Reading: How To Break Meth Addiction

What Should I Not Say To Someone About Their Drug Or Alcohol Use

When speaking to someone about their drug use, listen respectfully to their views, and respond calmly. The tone and the type of language you use is important.

Try to avoid the following, since this may upset the person and make them less likely to seek support:

being judgmental
using negative labels like addict

Learning More About Treatment Options

Recovery from Addiction Is Possible With Your Help

The more you know about addiction and the treatment options that exist for the disease, the more help you can be to your friend or loved one that is struggling. It is fine to contact treatment professionals or centers in your area or to reach out to the Health and Human Services national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP to learn more. The more you know, the better equipped you are to support your friend or loved one.

As a friend or loved one, you can play an important role in helping someone get the support they need to overcome their substance use disorder. You should never think that you can solve the problem alone, and you should always seek out the support and guidance of a professional. Recovery from addiction is a process, not a destination. today to speak to a representative about our treatment programs.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Read Also: How To Get Out Of Addiction

Use Honesty To Encourage Honesty

Modeling is important for adults as well as children.

This is an important factor when considering a key factor in gambling situations, which is a lack of honesty.

It is important for people in a gamblers life to be honest, even when they have bad days or backslide.

This encourages the gambler to be honest and let people know when they are struggling with the desire to gamble.

Ways To Support Your Special Someone With Drug Addiction

For an addict, deciding to get help and kick the addiction is no easy feat. Luckily, studies have shown that with the additional love and support of someone close to the addict, their chances of recovery are much higher.

While each situation of addiction has its own unique sets of circumstances and factors at play, there are some general guidelines as to the best way to help someone and offer support.

Also Check: How To Overcome Addiction Withdrawal

Educate Yourself About Addiction

You see what you know. Until you have knowledge about addiction and the symptoms of drug abuse, its easy to miss the signs that are right in front of you.

Addiction is complex, and its okay if you dont know everything right away. However, taking the time to understand your loved ones disease and how it affects them is incredibly beneficial to both you and your loved one. It also helps you be more aware of the signs that your loved one needs help.

Tip #: Have Realistic Expectations

How to Help People Overcome Drug Addiction (PLUS the 3 Things NOT to Say!)

Dont preach or lecture to the addict. They are usually unable to hear what you are saying. Continue to hold them accountable to expectations and offer help to direct them to the treatment they need. Dont expect addicts to keep promises, they are not able to do so while in the process of their disease. Dont react with pity or anger. This only keeps you in the process with the addict.

If your loved one is ready to get help, visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page to find out more about getting a referral and assessment.You can also contact Legal Aid programs in your area to see if you qualify for those services or they may be able to direct you to someone who can assist you.

Read Also: How To Quit Gaming Addiction

Coping With Cell Phone Addiction

As cellphones have become prevalent in modern society, some people have a significant issue with not being able to disengage from their cell phone. So-called smart phones, which combine functionality of an organizer, browsing the Internet, playing tunes, and taking pictures, only worsen the reliance on ones cell phone. While using such devices for everyday tasks, work, and socializing with friends and family is perfectly normal, not being able to put them down while engaged in a conversation with your significant other or a friend whos sitting in front of you may denote an increasing problem.

According to research on cell phone addiction, addiction danger signs included running up huge bills and having irrational reactions to being without a phone if you forgot or lost your mobile.

According to that same research, 22 percent of these people considered themselves to be heavy or very heavy users and 8 percent had experienced monthly bills that were over $500.

What Does Alcoholism Rehab Entail

If you suspect that you or someone you care about has an AUD, it may be time to seek professional help. Research has shown that rehabilitation treatment can be very effective in helping individuals maintain a life of sobriety.14

According to NIAAA, about a third of people who successfully complete a rehabilitation program show no further symptoms 1 year later and have fewer alcohol-related problems.14

Depending on the severity of the AUD, individuals can enter into a number of alcohol rehabilitation programs including inpatient and outpatient settings.

Treatment typically involves a mix of private and group counseling sessions, behavioral therapies, medications, and support groups.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Help With Addiction Without Insurance

When To Stage An Intervention

Family and friends are affected as much by the addiction as the addicted person themselves is. When it gets to the point that they want to confront the addicted person, it can be helpful to stage an intervention. Most of the time, addicted persons will not want to accept that they have a disease, but an intervention can help them see how much it affects the people they know and care about most.

An intervention usually involves a group of family and friends, led by a professional such as an interventionist or therapist. The professional will guide the meeting, ensure that everyone gets to say what they want in a supportive setting, and their presence can help to calm the addicted person or enforce the importance of the problem. The person affected will usually remain in denial about their disease, but an intervention can be an important first step on the road to recovery.

Helping someone with an addiction takes education, patience and empathy. Addiction is a harrowing experience for everyone involved, and if left untreated, it can destroy relationships, families and the addicted person may end up alone. Recognising this and reaching out before this happens can be hard, but it is important to remain optimistic and get support when you need it.

If youre concerned for yourself or a loved one, please contact us for more information on how to help someone coping with addiction. You can be the one to help them find treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol and drug addiction.

Symptoms Of Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse Help: Five Warning Signs that Could Lead to ...

There are many signs both physical and behavioral that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, and symptoms of abuse vary from drug to drug. However, some general signs that your loved one may be addicted to drugs include:

Sudden change in behavior
Problems at school or work
Lack of energy or motivation
Becoming careless about personal grooming
Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
Changes in sleeping patterns
Sudden requests for money or a spike in spending habits

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or addiction, The Recovery Village can help. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs.

Also Check: How To Stop My Food Addiction