How To Communicate With Someone Who Has An Addiction Problem
Table of Contents
Introduction
Addict!
This is the most negative word and the things a person who is struggling with any kind of addiction will want to hear.
Suppose you are visiting any one of your relatives, or friends who is suffering from any severe disease, like cancers, or something else. Will you have a negative approach while talking with the patient?
Of course not.
Then why will you talk with an individual who has addiction issues? We all have several myths and misconceptions when it comes to addiction. Thus most of the time, we treat a person with addiction in a different way, which is not at all good.
We also understand that you might not know how to talk with them. Thus you make the mistake of using the wrong words, taking the wrong approach while communicating.
Communicate With Someone Who Has An Addiction Problem
Here, in this article, we will tell you some simple tricks you should use when you are visiting a patient with addiction or going to communicate with them. We hope learning these things will help you understand their situation better.
1. Before Talking Educate Yourself About Addiction
Before you are going to talk with them, it is best to gather as much knowledge as you can about the type of addiction the person is into. Only then will you be able to understand how the person actually feels.
You will refrain from saying all those wrong and triggering things as well. When you have enough knowledge, you can understand what the pain points are, and you will never intend to hurt their feelings in those particular points. If you do not know anything, don’t even dare to
2. Help Them To Find Professional Treatments
The most crucial thing they want from you is not your advice. If you want to actually help them, you should tell them to check out Ascendant here! From there, they will get the professional treatment of rehabilitation and detoxification.
They are normal human beings; they also understand things the way we do, they already know that they need medical treatment.
So, in spite of saying, “Go, get some medical help,” tell them where they can go to avail necessary medical help.
Read: Ways Mindfulness Helps Addiction Recovery
3. Help Them Set Realistic Goals
Even if you need some particular time to get rid of your body fat, how can you expect them to get rid of their substance addiction within a few days or months? You have to understand that every good thing takes time.
The entire recovery process takes time. In Spite of forcing them to quit an addiction within a few days, help them set realistic goals, which will also motivate them in their journey of quitting drugs or other forms of addiction.
4. While Communicating, Use The Statement, “I feel.”
Whenever you are communicating with an individual who is suffering from any kind of addiction issue, the person does not want your advice. We have already cleared the thing easier. What the individual needs is empathy.
You do not need to show sympathy to the person and feel pity for them, but you can try to feel what they are going through. So, instead of using phrases like “I know,” or “I understand,” use more “I feel.”
Read: Rehab Center Benefits
5. Don’t Think Talking About Their Addiction Is Easy For Them
Do not take their addiction lightly. Most of us usually think that when the person has developed an addiction, it is very problematic for them to talk with. This is one of the hardest things they have to do whenever you are talking with them.
So, in case the person is not willing to talk about the addiction issues, do not force them to talk about it. If you feel that they are feeling uncomfortable while talking about it, leave the topic and start talking with something else.
6. Don’t Consider Addiction As Their Character Flaw
Considering addiction as a character flaw of an individual who is suffering from addiction issues is the worst thing we can do to them. It is not a character flaw; it is a kind of disease. A disease from which they want to recover. But due to some serious consequences, they are unable to handle everything on their own.
So, never judge the person’s character on the basis of their addiction. They might act in a bad manner or become aggressive, but remember, they are doing all those under the influence of the particular substance they are taking.
Read: Ways to Show a Grieving Loved One You Care
7. Don’t Think That Only Certain People Get Addicted
There are no written rules about people when they get addicted. Individuals with addiction issues are also common people, just like us. Due to some reasons, they have entered into the ugly world of addiction and substance abuse.
Anyone can develop an addiction to any specific substance. Some just want to stay away from any specific mental health condition or a challenging situation they are or were going through. We all are human beings, and we all can make mistakes.
8. Don’t Talk Negatively Or Accuse Them
Will you accuse a cancer patient of developing the disease in their body?
No! Right, then why will you accuse or talk negatively to an individual with addiction issues. Addiction is not a “bad habit.”
The surrounding situation or mental conditions creates a tendency of taking some harmful additives and developing addiction in individuals. So, next time when you are talking with a person with addiction issues, talk gently and with a lot of positivity.
More Etiquettes
Just the way you follow some etiquette while talking with common people, you also need to keep all those things in mind while talking with a substance abuse patient. Always remember they already know that they have made a mistake and are finding ways to come out of it. So, if you want to help them, handle them with care and show love, care, and affection towards them. Also, remember the following things, and ask them to opt for a rehab center.
- Show Positivity, Optimism, And Love.
- Don’t Address Them As Selfish.
- Never Tell Them How To Deal With The Addiction.
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