Seeing a loved one battle addiction is the most helpless feeling to endure. The first step of being equipped is to be informed about the signs, tips, and when an intervention is necessary.
Signs of Addiction
Addiction in all forms shares similar characteristics and behavioral manifestations of the underlying issue.
Red or Bloodshot Eyes
Pronounced Eye Bags
Substance abuse leaves multiple marks on the eyes beyond just redness, especially because many drugs affect the quality and depth of sleep. Pronounced bags that form beneath the eyes are a very common side effect of prolonged substance abuse. These can form for several substance-induced reasons such as malnutrition factors, dehydration, or sleep deprivation. They can also be a side effect of the impact on constricted blood vessels in or around the eyes.
Sleeping Problems
A substance habit is a known inhibitor of normal sleep patterns. People with an addiction problem are often incapable of slipping into unconsciousness naturally. Even if they fall asleep, it’s common for substance abuse to inflict nighttime awakenings throughout the early morning hours. Substance use can impede REM sleep, the vital deep sleep the body needs for proper organ, mind, and body restoration. “Nodding off” from the use of drugs like opioids (and other types of prescription drugs) is not the same as sleep, and the body will reflect this reality.
Reclusive Behavior
Substances cause a shift in a person’s behavior, influencing them to be less social and more detached from their circumstances. This can ultimately lead to reclusive behavior and avoiding social interactions or situations (especially if they don’t include drugs). This means excluding themselves from friends or family activities they would otherwise enjoy, or secluding themselves from public situations. They may also change social groups entirely, choosing to only spend time with people who also do drugs.
Weight Fluctuations
Many people believe that having a drug problem causes someone to drop weight quickly. For many substances, such as stimulants and benzodiazepines, this can be a sign of addiction. But stress, poor sleep, and inconsistent eating synonymous with drug addiction can also lead to weight gain. Rapid weight changes and overall degradation of health is a reliable sign that something is wrong, and your friend very likely needs help.
Tips for Supporting a Friend Dealing with Addiction
We understand the struggle of figuring out how to help a friend with addiction. But the only way to effectively support a friend is to provide support, not by trying to “fix” them. They have to choose to take support for drug addiction, including seeking professional treatment. You can’t “cure” your friend, so providing the right kind of support is essential.
Learn How Addiction Works
The only way to truly know how to help a friend with addiction is to be informed. This can mean taking specialist-taught informational sessions to be mentally equipped to properly sympathize and deal with your loved one. But however you choose to learn, it’s important to have accurate information about how addiction develops, addiction cycles, and the nature of an addict’s struggles. This helps you understand addiction from the perspective of the affected person so you can better approach their situation.
Be Non-Judgmental
While it is important to stand firm against addiction, many inadvertently do so with a judgmental approach. But judgmental opposition only pushes the individual further away, increasing the risk of exacerbating their substance use. That’s why it is of the utmost importance to approach a person with addiction with a caring heart and an expression of concern for their well-being. This approach encourages them to be open to self-improvement, knowing that at least one person supports their healing.
Be Sympathetic to Their Struggles
This doesn’t mean it’s important to accept the person’s addiction. This means being sympathetic when you notice them making an effort to stop using substances. Be sympathetic when they’re discouraged in their substance use struggles. Let them know you’re there for them and understand their battle is difficult.
Be Available
This is an integral part of providing support to an addicted individual. It requires dedication from everyone involved, from the affected party to their surrounding loved ones. Make an effort to be open to responding and reaffirm that you are there for them in their times of need. If you can achieve this, they are well on their way to achieving and sustaining independent, sustainable sobriety.
Involve Them in Fun Activities
Separate from being available in their time of need, actively encourage and involve yourself and your addicted friend in activities. This quality time together can do so much more than simply getting their mind off their battles. This promotes a healthy lifestyle while helping you reconnect with each other on a deeper level. This can also grow and reinforce bonds that may have formerly been broken. Reestablishing that closeness and trust by spending quality time with them through natural, interactive fun can establish good memories that don’t include drug use.
Participate in Rehab
Addiction rehab services aren’t just for the addicted party. They’re for everybody wanting to be the best support team member possible for the individual battling substance abuse. If invited to participate in group or family therapy, show up ready to engage. This is an opportunity to show your friend that you’re not ignoring their addiction and you want to help them recover.
When To Have an Intervention with a Friend
Interventions require methodical timing, training, and caring tactics to be incorporated effectively. Bearing that in mind, if your loved one fits any of the criteria below, consider seeking out an intervention or asking a medical and/or addiction specialist for advice.
When They’re in Denial
Denial is one of the most dangerous accelerants of self-destructive substance abuse. When the affected party fails to acknowledge the addiction, their condition usually only worsens. Sometimes, the only way to deal with individuals in a state of denial is through interventive action. However, it is important not to do so at your discretion, as this will only push them farther away. A medical and/or addiction professional is required to carefully chart an individualized treatment plan and help set up a post-intervention plan.
If They Don’t Understand the Impact Their Addiction Has on Loved Ones
When a person is facing an addiction, many times they don’t realize how it affects their loved ones. Interventions are sometimes the only way to show someone that their addiction is taking a serious toll on their loved ones. Many times, interventions are an eye-opening experience that motivates them to accept professional help.
If They Refuse to Get Help
This specific indication of a needed intervention requires a very careful and meticulous approach. Staging an intervention for someone who refuses to get the help they need must be administered professionally and cautiously. Once again, professional help should be employed to ensure the intervention is performed as safely and ethically as possible.
When all Alternatives Have Been Exercised
Interventions are often considered a last resort when all alternative options have been exhausted. This means situations when relapses persist, treatment is denied or rendered ineffective, or the addiction intensifies.
When Addiction Has Reached Dangerous Levels
When your friend or family member’s substance battles have reached noticeably dangerous degrees, serious measures must be taken. This may take the form of near-overdose incidents, performing risky tasks under the influence (such as driving), endangering others, taking higher doses of their drug of choice, or using additional addictive substances regularly. In these cases, interventions are a potentially life-saving tactic that could alter the course of their substance abuse.
Receive Help for Addiction at Recovery Zone LA
The most important part of helping a loved one battling substance abuse is to encourage them to get the help they need. Their sobriety journey and your support training are in the best hands at Recovery Zone LA. Our therapeutic support works to boost your loved one’s individualized recovery, helping them to build a happier life without addiction. Reach out to us to learn more about how you can support a loved one fighting addiction.