So, how can you help your significant other get help? It might sound ironic to help yourself in order to help your partner, but it is imperative that you do. Since he or she is not of right mind to make decisions and take appropriate actions for his or her own wellbeing, it is important that you can step in and help in an effort to get him or her the help that will save his or her life.
Some drug addicts have strong, nonconforming personalities that clash with the expectations of societal norms. To them, conformity does not allow for individuality, and it might lead to dissatisfaction with being forced to accept responsibilities.
Denying responsibility is also a form of manipulation, a psychological tool that most addicts are experts at using to get the kind of sympathetic attention they want from others. Heroin addicts refuse to think about how their addiction is affecting those who care about them because the depth of their addiction disrupts normal thinking patterns.
Failing to acknowledge the consequences of their addiction helps them avoid the guilt and sorrow they feel deep within themselves. Although your significant other may appear apathetic to the heartache they are causing you and other loved ones, they are unconsciously relying on a psychological defense mechanism they truly have no idea they are using.
Addiction is so powerful and overwhelming that even the most educated of individuals find themselves denying that their loved one is addicted to drugs. The thought that someone you care for is struggling with a disease that can kill them is almost too much to bear. Plus, by the time your loved one is addicted to drugs, you have probably developed a lifestyle around that addiction.
Even though that lifestyle is probably not healthy, it is one that you feel you can mostly predict. Do not feel ashamed if you know that you are dating a drug addict but are struggling to accept it or spent a great deal of time denying it. But you may not be one of those people. Instead, you might be someone who is not sure if their partner is a drug addict or not, and there is no shame in that either.
The most important thing you can do, however, is to learn the signs and symptoms of drug addiction so that you can be fully aware of what you are dealing with in your relationship. Each type of drug can produce its own defining set of symptoms, however, drug addiction on the whole often displays itself through many common symptoms, such as:.
You might notice that your partner is experiencing trouble at work, such as being written up or no longer being assigned the same workload. It is also possible that your partner may begin isolating him or herself from friends or family. These are just some of the many signs of drug addiction. Sometimes, you can do everything in the book to help your loved one but he or she still will not get help.
Throughout most of the United States, you cannot make someone get professional addiction treatment. However, in the state of Florida, admitting your partner into treatment against his or her will is possible, however, it is contingent on meeting specific criteria.
The Marchman Act is a law that allows a person to involuntarily admit another individual into treatment. This should only be used as a last-ditch effort, as attempting to do this can result in legal battles and headaches. Has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use; and either:. Has inflicted, or threatened or attempted to inflict, or unless admitted is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself or herself or another or:.
Is in need of substance abuse services and, by reason of substance abuse impairment, his or her judgment has been so impaired that the person is incapable of appreciating his or her need for such services and of making a rational decision in regard thereto. If your partner is Marchman acted, he or she will not be held for more than five days for stabilization and assessment. If the courts feel it imperative for the individual to get further treatment, they will order him or her to do so.
If your partner is in need of help for a drug addiction, do not hesitate to reach out and ask for that help. It can be extremely lonely and depressing to attempt to live with active addiction in your life, but you do not have to go it alone. Some treatments involve individual counseling, others involve group counseling, and still others involve self-help meetings and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous.
So, if you have a problem with drinking or drug use, it is worth it to enter treatment, not only for you, but also for your partner, children, friends, and others. If your partner has a problem with drugs or alcohol, getting him or her to enter treatment may be one of the best things you can do for him and your relationship. But what if your partner has a drinking or drug problem, but does not want to go to treatment or seek help, because he or she does not think there is a problem or because he or she does not want to be involved in counseling?
This is a very common problem. It turns out that alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs have help for concerned family members and work with this very issue. They can give you ideas and information on motivating your partner to consider getting help; these approaches are often very helpful in getting family members who are reluctant to seek help to ultimately enter treatment. Many treatments for individuals who have a problem with alcohol and other drugs will include the partner in some way.
Research has shown that involving partners in the treatment at some point can be very important in helping the treatment succeed. It is also very important that the problems in the relationship be treated; these problems do not go away because the drinking or drug use has stopped. Many couples are both surprised and disappointed that they continue to have many fights and arguments after the substance abuse has stopped.
The important point here is substance abuse by a partner causes damage to the marriage or relationship and these problems need to be treated, too.
If the issues in the relationship are not treated, they can set the stage for continued conflict and, in turn, relapse to drinking or drug use.
Thus, lasting recovery from substance use depends, in part, on making the relationship better. Eliminating drinking or drug use is only the starting point; once sobriety is attained, a supportive caring relationship can be one of the strongest factors in making that sobriety last. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, therapy with a marriage and family therapist MFT can help.
Continuing education designed specifically for MFTs. It requires patience, understanding, and supportive services through various treatment programs. The disease of addiction, impacts a substantial portion of Colorado. American Addiction Centers offer these suggestions for helping a partner who has a drug addiction. Try to establish mutual trust. However, it is vital to re-establish and maintain a trusting relationship. Ideally, all those facing substance misuse and abuse should have access to treatment programs that can help individuals find sobriety and maintain it.
If you choose to approach your significant other on their possible drug use, here are a few pointers. First, understand that addiction is a disease that can often overtake an individual without warning and can have a tremendous impact on their physical and mental health.
Experienced addiction therapists suggest finding a strategy for approaching the situation. Some tips include: avoid nagging, lecturing, begging, or criticizing.
Try to find a private moment to discuss your concerns. Omit blame-angry language, and focus, on specific instances that have affected you. Be truthful and honest, and ask questions about what they may be feeling or experiencing. Above all else, be compassionate and understanding. Substance misuse and addiction can make an individual feel alone and isolated.
According to WellMind. It is important to recognize and avoid enabling behaviors , and many romantic partners often carry the burden of guilt associated with addiction. Studies have found that verbalizing your feelings can help alleviate feelings of stress, anger, and pain. Groups like Al-Anon and Alateen are support groups for friends and families of substance abusers. Also, be sure to check out Nar-anon and recovery support groups.
Support groups will help you learn effective ways to communicate with your partner who has substance abuse. A National Survey on Drug Use and Health noted that substance abuse in American adults has increased from under eight million in to over 27 million in By the survey, over 22 million Americans ages 12 and over were current marijuana users. One and a half million youths and over four million adults used psychotherapeutic drugs from prescription and non-medical sources.
Colorado drug use is certainly no exception. Colorado has continued to face increasing drug overdose deaths every year.
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