Learning how to help a loved one with addiction is imperative if you know someone who struggles with a substance use disorder. Addiction is treatable through a combination of behavioral and holistic therapies and medication to ease addiction cravings and withdrawals, but only if the person is ready to accept help. Talking with a friend or loved one about their substance abuse may be what it takes to get them the help they need before causing serious physical and psychological harm.
Arkview Recovery supports people with substance use disorders who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. Our treatment programs help patients discover the real reason behind the abuse and find new coping skills to change their behaviors for the better. Each program includes behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment to create a whole-person recovery experience.
For more information about our addiction treatment in Pennsylvania, send us an email or call 717.744.0756 today to start helping someone with addiction.
Recognizing When a Friend Is Struggling With Addiction
Our society’s misunderstanding of addiction and mental health has led to millions of people hiding their struggles from others and putting themselves at unnecessary risk of harm. They don’t see addiction as a disease of the mind and body but rather a social disease that anyone should easily overcome.
Addiction causes chemical changes in your body to the point where it will not function properly without a steady supply of alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other deadly narcotics. The more you consume, the more cravings you will have, as well as increase the risk of developing permanent brain damage, cardiovascular complications, certain cancers, psychosis, and premature death.
Common Signs of Addiction
If you suspect a friend or loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, look for these common signs of addiction:
- Every time you see them, they are intoxicated or planning to become intoxicated.
- Having to take more to feel the same euphoric response.
- They avoid activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol or show up to the event high.
- Spending money for bills and food on drugs or alcohol.
- Lying to their friends and loved ones about their activities.
- A sudden decline in work or school performance or being unable to keep up with personal responsibilities.
- They neglect their personal hygiene.
- They become combative when asked about their drinking or drug use.
- You can find compassionate addiction rehab at Arkview Recovery’s spacious center in Mechanicsburg, PA. We design each of our programs to aid people throughout their recovery journey, from detox to outpatient programs, that allow patients to continue working with a therapist for as long as necessary.
How to Help a Loved One With Addiction
Addiction affects each person in unique ways, and no two cases of substance abuse are the same. If you know someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol, here are a few ways how you can help them break the addiction:
Addiction Education
A big step in the recovery process is having a better understanding of how drugs and alcohol affect your mind and body and what constant abuse can lead to. Long-term abuse can cause organ damage/failure, gastrointestinal infections, malnutrition, depression, anxiety, and other neurological problems.
There are plenty of resources online that talk about the dangers of addiction and why it is so difficult to break free of its grip.
Encourage Them to Enroll in Addiction Rehab
The safest way to beat addiction is to enroll in an accredited addiction treatment program. These programs use a combination of medication and behavioral therapies to address all aspects of the disorder and teach patients how to recognize their triggers and stop their cravings from consuming them.
Start a Sober Journey Together
If you and your partner regularly drink or use drugs together, consider starting recovery at the same time. This can help build a stronger bond between the two of you and can make the recovery process much easier as you are both there to help the other maintain their sobriety.
Helping a friend with addiction can be a stressful yet rewarding experience that can lead to saving their life. Addiction rehab allows people to safely break their addiction and learn a number of healthy life skills that promote better mental health and long-lasting sobriety.
Find Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania at Arkview Recovery
If you are wondering how to help a loved one with addiction, you’ve come to the right place. Arkview Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes anyone who is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, heroin, meth, or other narcotics. Our programs are tailored to the individual and will include group and private therapy sessions in a safe and encouraging environment.
To find addiction rehab in Pennsylvania, call 717.744.0756 today our use our online contact form and see all that Arkview Recovery has to offer.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
