LIFESTYLE NEWS - Attempting to help someone that has an addiction can be a lengthy and challenging process. 

Unlike someone with a physical health condition who may be made aware of their conditions through professional help provided, a person struggling with an addiction may not realize how dangerous their addictions are, if even being able to acknowledge that they may have a problem, or how to get the help they need. 

Communicating with someone with a substance abuse problem may be difficult as the person may not be open to hearing what you have to say.

Listed below are some tips on how to progressively communicate with someone struggling with addiction.

• To communicate with someone struggling with substance abuse start by attempting to have a one -on-one conversation with the person this may be less intimidating than having a conversation with several people.
• Find a time that is suitable for the both of you to be alone without any distractions and possible interruptions. Before flooding them with a serious conversation, first ask if they are receptive to hearing your thoughts. Try using language that doesn’t portray blame and use a neutral tone of voice.
• If they’re receptive to hearing your thoughts and concerns, ask if they would be willing to seek professional help. They may not be open to discussing this option. They may become defensive. If this happens, let it go for the time being. Don’t threaten or shame them. Instead, start talking with other family members and concerned parties to begin planning an intervention.
• It is important to bear in mind that ultimately, they are responsible for their own recovery. they must first recognize that they have an addictive disorder. Then be willing to address their addiction before recovery can begin.

You might be asking yourself: “How do I offer love, support and guidance without causing miscommunication?” 

There are some more communication strategies that can help you to show compassion.

Be Kind
One way of showing love and support is by speaking with kindness and empathy. When you make the decision to accept a person struggling with addiction, even if you might not accept their behavior you begin to build a bridge for their recovery. Without kindness and support everyone individual involved will become consumed by hurt.

It is likely that they will be more receptive to hearing from you if you communicate from a place of compassion.

Thoughtfully Choose Your Words
It is important to ensure that you communicate with respect at all times. Avoid using language or stereotypes that could be offensive. Words can have a negative impact on the person that is dealing with addiction and may alter the way that they feel about their journey to recovery and about themselves.

Educate Yourself About Addiction
The more that you come to understand about addiction the better you will be able to communicate with, and understand the person struggling. However, it is still important not to assume you know everything about addiction just because you did research as each individual is unique.

Listen More Than You Talk
When someone living with addiction confides in you, listen attentively, without interrupting or criticizing them. Treat them the same way you would if they weren’t living with addiction. Be mindful to what they are telling you and try to understand their point of view.

Set Boundaries
Communicate through both your actions and your words and remain consistent in your message. Letting your loved one know that their actions and behavior affects you and hurts you might motivate them to seek recovery. Be stern when setting limits and boundaries, let them know what is acceptable and unacceptable in regards to their relationship with them.

Believe Them
If the individual confides in you, do not disagree with them, for instance, if they tell you that they have a drinking problem don’t tell them “Come on, you don’t have a drinking problem” always remember that your perspective of their addiction is not necessarily their reality. Someone opening up to you about their addiction is a clear sign that they trust you, respect the courage it took for them to talk to someone about it.

Don’t Tell Them What to Do
Although you want to help your loved one to recover, you cannot control exactly how they do it. Be supportive and give advice or recommendations when necessary but do not expect them to live by your words. As long as they aren’t causing more harm to themselves or others in the process of seeking recovery, you can show them that you respect their way of trying to make a positive change in their life.

Remember that change will not come overnight and it is important to remain consistent yet compassionate when doing regular checkups on your loved one.

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