OVERTIME: Family Communication

When you are dealing with a loved one's addiction, you may feel helpless and afraid. You may not know how to help them or what to do next. The good news is that there are resources available to you that can help you help your loved one.

Discussing hard subjects with your family. If your loved one has an addiction, it could be difficult for him or her to open up to you about their struggles. However, it is important that they understand how their behavior affects others around them. If they do not seem interested in discussing their problems, try asking questions such as: "How can I help?" or "What do you need from me right now?" By asking questions that start with "I" instead of "you," it will encourage your loved one to open up about their feelings more easily and honestly.

Success early on in battling substance abuse. A person struggling with drug abuse may have trouble getting clean and sober if they have never experienced success in life before. For example, if a person was always told by their parents that they would never amount to anything and had failed at school and at work multiple times throughout their life, then it will be very difficult.

Family members and friends can play an important role in helping those with addiction to recover by: Staying involved in the recovery process. Providing encouragement and support. Helping to set boundaries for the addicted person, such as refusing to allow drug use in the home or car. Helping them get treatment for their mental health issues (if needed). Offering positive feedback when they do well and constructive criticism when they don't.