Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction is emotionally and physically draining. As addiction rates rise, more families find themselves impacted by alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. Over 20 million American adults battled addiction in 2020 alone.
As a supporter, you may feel helpless or lack understanding of how best to assist your loved one on their path to recovery. However, your role is pivotal. With compassion, education, healthy boundaries and self-care, you can positively impact their health and wellbeing.
Understanding the Complexity of Addiction
To truly support our loved ones, it’s essential first to understand what addiction entails.
Addiction profoundly impacts the brain’s reward pathways, fueling repeated, compulsive drugs and alcohol use despite negative consequences. Both environmental and genetic factors influence one’s susceptibility to addiction. Underlying trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues…