Seeing a friend suffering with addiction is one of the most heartbreaking things you can do, but unfortunately it’s becoming more and more common as people turn to the likes of alcohol and drugs to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Many people who do suffer with addiction are too afraid to speak out about it and get the help they need, so it can often come down to friends and partners to get them the addiction help that they need, from researching rehabilitation clinics to helping them recognise they have a problem in the first place.
Of course, it’s not easy for yourself to cope with aiding someone through their addiction, and the tolls it can take on yourself can be large. Here’s how to get through that as you guide your friend through addiction…
Firstly, don’t blame yourself
One of the most common things you’ll find with people guiding friends through addiction and recovery is that they’ll often blame themselves. Why didn’t you notice it earlier or have you facilitated their addiction in any way?
The truth is that it’s not your fault. It’s nobody’s fault but their own. They have the negative relationship and dependency with a substance, not you. They are in control of their own destiny and not you.
Get a support network
A support network is essential for your friend who is suffering with addiction, but you may also need people to lean on and talk to as well. It can take a lot of time, effort and energy to support someone through their addiction recovery which can be incredibly draining. Therefore, it’s important you get support. Therapy can be a good way to get things off your own chest and remain fully supportive of your friend.
Don’t Pick Up The Slack For Your Friend
It’s one thing offering your support, but ultimately you can’t do everything for your friend. They still have responsibilities and they need to be in control of those. If you start taking on the day-to-day for them, as well as your own, not only will you be incredibly busy and drained but it may also build resentment that can lead to breakdowns in relationships.
They need to own their problem just as much as you need to support them, so ensure that the relationship is maintained that way.
