If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, it can be hard to know what to say and what not to say when addressing their struggle. In this two part blog series, you will learn some commonly used statements that are and are not helpful. Let’s start with some statements that are not helpful.
1. Never blame your loved one for their addiction.
Your loved one is most likely already under considerable stress and feeling guilty for their struggles. Adding blame will only worsen this and will not speed along recovery.
2. Don’t tell your loved ones to “just stop.”
Addictions are complex and involve changes that occur in the brain. There is no “off switch” for an addiction and most often, professional help is needed to overcome an addiction. Recommending that your loved one stop using an abused substance “cold turkey” is not only unhelpful, but potentially dangerous.
3. Never tell your loved one that they can’t change.
Not only is this not true but this may push your loved one further into addiction as they may feel discouraged and hopeless.
4. Do not give your loved one an ultimatum.
Trying to pressure them to change is not the answer. If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, you can encourage them to seek professional help and to contact Solace Asia at 012.885.4686 today.