Seeing a loved one go through the struggles of addiction to drugs or alcohol can be challenging. No matter how much we try to help on our own, it’s impossible to understand what the other person is going through that led them to their current situation. What’s worse is that addiction is a lifelong disease that requires effort to keep at bay. That being said, anyone can overcome addiction with the right tools and resources.
Breaking Down Addiction
Substance abuse and addiction are on the rise in America throughout all areas, economic backgrounds and age groups. Oftentimes addiction starts out as simply using a substance, whether that be drugs or alcohol, as a coping mechanism to deal with stress. Given how stressful 2020 and 2021 have been, it’s no surprise that those numbers are increasing.
There’s also substantial research linking drug and alcohol addiction to mental illness which is known as a dual-diagnosis. When an individual is dealing with anxiety or depression, drinking or using drugs is often the route they take to effectively “shut down” those parts of their brain.
Addiction is also hereditary meaning children of those battling addiction will be much more prone to having an addictive personality. Another factor is the environment in which someone grows up and lives in. If they witness friends or family consistently abusing a substance then the risk associated with it diminishes as their comfort level around the situation goes up.
Intervention and Treatment Should Be Prioritized
As with any ongoing issue, the key to stopping it is to intervene and address it directly. This doesn’t mean that you need to set out a circle of chairs and lure your loved one into a room surrounded by friends and family. It’s still an option, but having a deep one-on-one conversation can be just as impactful and more effective as it isn’t as high-pressure of a setting.
If the loved one you’re worried about is younger, they may get embarrassed when too many people are involved in the intervention. Extremely important in children of addicted individuals, early intervention should be conducted when certain behaviors are seen in adolescents. Even those with heavy predispositions for addiction can be kept safe from substance abuse when the warning signs are heeded.
Understanding Your Options
Whether you yourself are in need of addiction recovery services or you’re simply worried about a loved one, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our team with any questions. Baystate Recovery Services is here to help you and your family, no matter what.