People who are addicted to a particular drug or substance usually don’t recognize the fact that they already have an addiction. However, as soon as they acknowledge their addiction, there’s a big chance that they’re already making progress on the road to recovery.
Several studies in the past paint a grim picture of the effects of substance abuse to the individual and the society at large. A 2014 study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates the total federal cost at more than $700 billion per year because of substance abuse. This, along with several other findings, goes to show that addiction has become a serious global threat.
Many people who succumb to addiction to substances such as alcohol use the euphoric effect as a stress buster, but that technique doesn’t really work to relieve stress. As a result, they continue to spiral down the addiction drain until they find themselves unable to function without their substance of choice.
If you admit to yourself that you are addicted and that you cannot escape it, be confident with the idea that there are many strategies and techniques to help you get out of addiction for good. However, one of the best ways to help recovering addicts is through relationships. Here are some of the reasons why your family and friends can carry you through addiction recovery a lot easier:
1. They exert more effort to help you than any other person that you know.
The love and care that your families and friends can provide you cannot be matched by any professional or medical expert. You will probably receive a lot of support from them, in terms of emotional and even financial needs. “Drug use significantly changes the lives of all those close to the addict—none more so than the immediately family,” according to this website.
Your friends and family will probably take extra measures to understand you, not only on an emotional level but also on a scientific perspective. They will most likely get involved in your treatment and study more about addiction and recovery.
2. They will help you become sober and free from addiction.
Treatment programs such as detoxing from alcohol or undergoing in-patient therapy can already do wonders to any recovering addict, but having your family support you through the process makes things a lot faster.
Most treatment and recovery centers recommend the presence of family members in an addict’s daily life. This includes being present in treatment sessions, being involved in the entire recovery process, and joining family-based therapies.
3. They can help you deal with stress
Imagine enjoying a particular activity – say, playing games on your mobile device or eating your favorite food – and then suddenly being prohibited from doing so. Wouldn’t that stress you out?
This is exactly the same (if not more difficult) stressful condition for people in recovery. Stress is a very dangerous situation for recovering addicts. “The more stress you’re under, the more likely you’ll seek an escape from it,” according to addiction.com.
If your family knows that you’re in recovery, they will pull out all the stops to prevent any form of stress to come into your life. Best of all, who wouldn’t experience a stress-free life when you know you have people who support you all the way?
Addiction cannot be taken lightly. People who become victims of substance abuse and addiction can only rise from their conditions through a proper mindset and commitment, openness to treatment, and a strong network of family and friends to support them.
About Jammie Morey
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