If your loved one has been suffering from an addictive disorder, you might be wondering why. Where did you go wrong?
If someone you love has been struggling with addiction, it is important to understand that it is likely not your fault in any way, shape, or form. Addiction can happen to anyone — even the most well-adjusted individuals raised in the most functional and secure households, who were shown nothing but love and support over the course of their upbringing. It can be easy to place the blame on yourself, especially when you are actively looking for answers.
What is more important than identifying the root cause of the addictive disorder is reaching out for help as soon as help becomes necessary. The root cause will be identified and addressed in a therapeutic setting once your loved one has committed to treatment. That being said, we know how difficult it can be to come to terms with the feelings of powerlessness that go hand-in-hand with watching a loved one struggle. The good news is that you have unlimited support and guidance at your disposal. No matter what you need, from information on detox centers in your area to recommendations for family therapists, we are here to help.
The Disease Model of Addiction
Educating yourself on the Disease Model of Addiction will help you avoid placing blame on yourself while moving away from detrimental, self-defeating thought patterns.
Drugs and alcohol flood the “reward circuit” of the brain with the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical that reinforces pleasurable but self-destructive behaviors. After several weeks or months of repetitive substance use, the brain is rendered incapable of producing a healthy amount of dopamine on its own. These adaptations within the brain leave a person unable to derive pleasure from experiences they once enjoyed, like spending time with loved ones, eating a good meal, or participating in hobbies that were previously enjoyed.
Over time, substance use becomes compulsive and uncontrollable, and your loved one loses all choice in the matter. The urge to continue using becomes so overwhelming that no amount of consequences will effectively deter them.
This is when professional addiction treatment comes into play.
How to Help an Addicted Loved One?
When attempting to help a loved one who has been struggling with addiction, it is important to first ensure your own needs are being met. This means reaching out for help and support when necessary. We know How difficult it can be to prioritize your own mental and emotional well-being while watching a loved one suffer, but as the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
To learn more about helping a family member who has been struggling with addiction, refer to our extensive article HERE.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly to learn more about which treatment options are available to your loved one, or to learn more about what you can do to help.
Our attention to individualized care and therapy programs can be the difference between a lifetime of challenges or a full recovery. Take the first step toward a better, more fulfilling future. Speak with one of our Treatments Advisors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-877-508-2278.
