Addiction not only takes an immense toll on the individual struggling with it but also can have a deep effect on his or her loved ones.
It is imperative to be mindful of the fact that addiction is a mental health disorder, and is classified as such in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Addiction is characterized by habitually engaging in rewarding stimuli regardless of the negative consequences. An individual that struggles with addiction issues will prioritize satisfying the needs associated with his or her addiction above all else in his or her life. The adverse effects of addiction reach far beyond the immediate physiological consequences and can seep into every area of one’s life. Much like an individual does not simply develop an addiction overnight, addiction treatment will not occur instantaneously.
How To Help
The first step in supporting a loved one on his or her path of recovery is to help him or her find treatment. Since there are numerous treatment options available nowadays, narrowing down the choices and deciding which treatment program will be the best fit for your loved one can seem like a daunting task. Below are some helpful tips to bear in mind while in the process of finding an addiction treatment center for your loved one.
- Research facilities start your search by identifying treatment programs that are available to you and are structured to your liking (e.g., inpatient treatment programs versus outpatient treatment programs).
- Budget: every treatment center is different, and the costs associated can range drastically. Have a clear understanding of the budget for attending treatment and make sure the program selected falls his or her means.
- Gather information regarding the needs of your loved one: there are a variety of different treatment options with various specializations. If your loved one, for example, has a dual diagnosis (struggles with substance use disorder and another mental health illness) it is important to select a dual diagnosis treatment program, this will ensure the program is fully capable of accommodating his or her specific needs.
- Make a list of questions: prior to committing to any treatment program ask as many clarifying questions as you would like to a potential treatment program option.
- One step at a time: there is no need to get ahead of yourself, as it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the minutia of the selection process. Take it one step at a time and trust that your efforts will yield positive results.
Every individual is different and will respond in a somewhat nuanced fashion when it comes to treatment for substance abuse and/ or addiction. As the loved one of an individual embarking on treatment for addiction issues, it is helpful to understand that the recovery process can be time-consuming and will likely require an individual to change many aspects of his or her life. The support, education, coping mechanisms, life skills, and more than an individual will likely glean from a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program that properly suits him or she will inevitably provide a solid foundation for recovery. This, in turn, will offer an individual the greatest chance for continued success in achieving long-term sobriety.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
