How Can I Help My Loved One See Their Substance Use Is a Problem?
People often turn to substance use such as drugs or alcohol to escape from their problems. However, eventually, this just makes the issues worse.
Substances can be used in a non-problematic way. However, some turn to substances to feel in control or avoid thoughts and feelings that are difficult to experience when sober. Triggers that lead to substance use include stress, fear, boredom, and loneliness. Although your loved one initially seemed to be in control, that no longer appears to be the case. Now, their use includes engaging in high-risk behavior or to ward off unpleasant feelings or emotions. As a result, you're worried and unsure of how to help or intervene.
Let's talk about some indicators that your loved one's substance use may be a bigger issue than you initially thought and what to do about it.
15 Signs Substance Use Has Become a Problem
There are several issues that can indicator your loved one's substance use has become a problem.
The following behaviors can indicate a deeper issue such as substance abuse or addiction exists.
- Trying to stop but can't
- Using to get a high
- Missing a lot of work or school
- No longer participating in activities once enjoyed
- Can't recall details from the night before
- Doesn't seem to show much regard for other people's feelings or possessions
- Frequent arguments with loved ones
- Often feels and responds to the compulsive urge to use
- Lack of self-control when using
- Needing more of a substance to reach or maintain the same high
- Frequent blackouts
- Spending more than the intended budget on substances
- Job loss or reprimand due to substance use
- Pursue substance of choice at dangerous levels despite the risks
- Broken commitments with family and friends to engage in substance use instead
There are many ways to identify whether substance use has become a problem. In this case, you could ask, "Have you been unsuccessful in your attempts to stop?" "Are you ready to get help?" However, some don't have a desire to stop, especially if they don't recognize the destructive patterns they're forming.
If My Loved One's Substance Use is Taking Over, What Can I Do?
Suppose your loved one's substance use is becoming an issue. In that case, it can be challenging to know how to intervene in a delicate way. For example, shaming or blaming them for their addiction isn't likely to help or motivate them. Keep in mind, addiction is a disease that often cripples someone's self-control. In order to help someone recognize they have an addiction, it's important to remain calm and offer empathy. Likewise, it's vital to hold boundaries and protect your physical and mental health. This can be difficult. Therefore, working with a therapist or support group could prove to be very beneficial.
If your loved one has a substance use disorder and you are unable to help them stop using, there are still many things that you can do. Here is a helpful list of questions that you can use to get started:
-What are your options?
-How can you show care for them without enabling them?
-How can you help them find recovery?
-What do you need to do to keep yourself safe?
There are many different types of treatment available to help those whose substance use has become a problem. At
Walk By Faith Counseling, we help people with their addictions. Likewise, we can offer you the support you need as you try to help your loved one through this time. Please visit our website or call us today.
