One of the most difficult things to experience is watching someone you love struggle with addiction. You may find yourself enabling them because you don’t want to see your loved one in physical and emotional pain. You may also find yourself staying up at night filled with worry and anxiety over what may happen if they continue to use drugs or alcohol.

Giving your loved one money or a means to continue using is understandable. However, this is not the best way to help them choose sobriety. There are a few things you can do to help your loved one who is dependent on drugs or alcohol.

Consider an intervention. Interventions are facilitated by a trained Interventionist. The facilitator will meet with close friends and family who will be part of the intervention to get an understanding of your thoughts and feelings regarding your loved one’s substance use. The facilitator will educate you on the need for boundaries and commitment in order for your loved one to get help. Together, you all will hold an intervention to express your fears and hopes, and encourage your loved one to immediately enter treatment.

Attending Al-Anon meetings is a great way to get strength, hope, and understanding about your loved one’s drugs or alcohol use. Al-Anon uses a 12-step philosophy, incorporates sponsorship, and allows you to understand that you are not alone. You may even meet some lifelong friends in the rooms of Al-Anon. Do a simple internet search for Al-Anon meetings in your area to be connected with the meeting closest to you.

Let you know you love them, but won’t enable their addiction anymore. Establishing boundaries with your loved one may seem difficult, but this is a sign of love. Having a loved one who is dependent on substances can be heart-wrenching, but setting boundaries while letting them know you love them can be beneficial.

Most importantly, find a positive outlet for yourself. Try to do things that you enjoy. Make an effort to laugh, take walks on the beach, and enjoy the sunset.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your well-being, as much as your loved ones recovery. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about what addiction treatment involves and how we like to include the entire family in recovery. At the Kimberly Center, you can trust that you and your loved one are in safe hands.