How to Help an Addict or Alcoholic Uncle
If you know someone who is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, you’re not alone. Sometimes, there is an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, especially when you’re dealing with a drug-addicted uncle or other family member. The steps you take to help the person will depend on the severity of the addiction.
“If you know someone who is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, you’re not alone.”-Projectknow.com
There are several misconceptions when it comes to helping someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some people mistakenly believe that overcoming a drug addiction can simply be accomplished with willpower, and a drug addict who sincerely wants to be free from drug dependency can easily quit using the substance. However, drug addiction isn’t as simple as altering behavior. Addiction is a chronic disease, and overcoming it will almost certainly involve a battle.
Understand the Nature of Addiction
Before you can know how best to help someone who is struggling with addiction or how to help an addicted uncle, it is important that you understand what addiction is. Several attempts have been made to try to describe what addiction is and why it has such effects on people, but there has not been an entirely accurate model. Drug abuse is rather misunderstood, and people in our society tend to stereotype those who have drug problems. Addiction is a disease, and when your uncle suffers cravings or withdrawals, he is experiencing symptoms, not character flaws. It is important that you educate yourself on drugs to help him further. By doing so, you will have a different perspective and also gain an understanding of what your uncle is going through.
Find a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Program
Because of how drugs affect the brain, your uncle may not be able to properly understand the need for a treatment program. The extent of his dependency on the drug may be so much that it is impossible for him to see life without the drug. In this case, it may be necessary to find a good treatment and rehabilitation program. There are many treatment facilities that offer such programs. Contact us to arrange for treatment that can help your uncle at . These facilities can provide you with more details on how to help an addicted uncle.
Talk to Your Uncle About His Drug Problem Only When Everyone Is Calm
The best time to talk to someone about their addiction is when they’re not under the influence of the substance. This is when they can rationally process what you say. If you try to talk to your uncle when he is under the influence of drug, he may become angry or defensive. Similarly, if you are angry or judgmental when talking about drug abuse or addiction, your uncle may refuse to pay attention to what you say. So you need to be calm and try to make him understand that you love him and are concerned about his well-being rather than being judgmental or angry when talking about his drug problem.
Depending on the situation, you may consider using an intervention, which involves family and friends and maybe a trained professional. When it comes to how to help an addicted uncle, an intervention can work well.
Make Arrangements to Start Treatment
“To help an uncle on drugs, you can take steps to help him get proper treatment for his condition.”-Projectknow.com
Once your uncle is ready to get the help he needs, it’s time to contact drug rehabilitation clinics to discuss available options. Some people respond well to treatment in rehabilitation centers. These treatment facilities require addicts to live at the facility and interact with other people who have drug problems. Other addicts prefer an outpatient treatment program and continue to go to school or work from home while going to a rehab center or hospital for treatment. If you need some advice, please contact us at today.
Show Continued Support for Your Uncle
To help an uncle on drugs, you can take steps to help him get proper treatment for his condition. The ultimate decision to accept help and follow the treatment program is in his own hands. This does not mean that you should bother him incessantly to get him to be sober. Helping an addict is not easy, but it can be done. You should consistently show a loving and caring attitude toward him, offering him the support he needs.