Addiction can be difficult to deal with, both for the person who is addicted and for the people who care about them.
If you love someone struggling with addiction, it can be hard to know how to best support them.
Several options are available to support your loved one through their addiction, and with time and effort, you can help their recovery.
This article will help you discover symptoms of alcohol use disorder and how to keep up with your loved ones who are also addicts, as well as how to help them in their journey towards sober living in LA.
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that can cause serious harm to your loved one.
Look out for signs such as:
Using More Of A Substance Than Was Originally Intended
Your loved one may be using more of a substance than they intended to use.
This could mean that their drinking session ended longer or they took more substances than planned.
Increase In Tolerance Towards A Substance
If your loved one has developed an increased tolerance towards a particular substance, it may indicate an AUD.
This could include drinking more or taking higher doses of substances to achieve the same effects.
Unable To Cut Back On Substance Use
If your loved one cannot cut back on substance use despite wanting, and sometimes attempting, to do so, this is a sign that they may have an AUD.
Prioritizing Substance Use Over Other Activities
If your loved one starts prioritizing substance use over other activities, such as work or spending time with family and friends, this could be a sign of an AUD.
Things To Keep In Mind If You’re In A Relationship With Someone Who Has Drug Abuse Disorder
When you are in a relationship with a person struggling with a drug abuse disorder, it is essential to remember that their drug addiction is not your fault.
You can’t fix the issue for them, no matter how hard you try; only they can.
You can, however, keep a few things in mind if you’re in a relationship with somebody who has a drug abuse disorder, which is as follows:
- Individuals who suffer from addiction may become dishonest and keep secrets. This can be very difficult for partners who value honesty.
- People with addiction may be unreliable. This can make it hard to depend on them or trust them.
- Addiction can lead to financial problems. This can put a strain on the relationship.
- People who struggle with substance abuse may be moody and unpredictable. Because of this, having a healthy relationship affects your physical and mental health.
Many aspects of addiction are challenging to comprehend, especially if you care about someone battling a drug or alcohol addiction.
You could occasionally feel as though the person you love has changed. It may also seem like your partner isn’t always able to fulfill commitments, give you priority in their lives, or take other actions required for a relationship to function.
There are ways to maintain connections with addicts, but you must also decide which option best meets your needs.
How Addiction Affects The Ability To Love
Addiction can affect a person’s ability to love.
The obsession over the substance can result in an inability to feel or show affection, making it difficult for them to focus on anything else but their addiction.
This often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and emptiness that eventually consume their life. Because of this, it may be challenging for them to be able to sincerely love another person.
How To Help Your Loved One Get Sober In LA
If your loved one suffers from an AUD and needs help, many resources are available in Los Angeles.
These include:
Therapy
Addiction therapy is available to help your loved one understand why they have an AUD and how to manage it.
Addiction therapy aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to process their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.
Support Groups
Support groups are great resources for those suffering from alcohol abuse as they provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others who are going through similar struggles.
These groups can provide your loved one with a sense of community and camaraderie as they work on their drug addiction.
Outpatient Rehab Programs
Outpatient rehab programs offer comprehensive treatment services such as therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies in an outpatient setting.
These programs can help individuals learn to manage their addiction, develop positive coping skills, and build a robust support system.
Inpatient Rehab Programs
Inpatient rehab programs provide comprehensive treatment services such as detox, therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies in an inpatient setting.
These programs aim to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to achieve long-term sobriety in their own life.
By providing your loved one with the resources and support they need, you can help them take the necessary steps towards recovery.
Can Treatment Help Your Relationship When You Love An Addict?
Yes, treatment can help the relationship when you love an addict.
While it can be challenging to watch someone you care about struggle with addiction, providing them with resources and support can make a huge difference in their recovery process.
It also allows partners to work on building trust and communication within the relationship.
With the help of addiction treatment, partners can start to rebuild their relationship and work together towards a healthier future. If you can’t find the right fit in LA, there are plenty of other options, like a New Jersey drug rehab center, that can help.
When Is The Time To Leave A Drug Addict?
To this question, there is no simple response. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when it is right for you to leave an addict.
It’s crucial to remember that addiction is a severe illness and that your loved one should seek treatment and will need professional help to get better.
If there are signs of emotional pain, abuse, or neglect in the relationship, you must leave as soon as possible.
Ultimately, if the relationship has become too toxic for either of you to bear and there’s no sign of improvement or willingness to get help from your loved one, then it may be time for you to consider leaving.
It’s critical to remember that you are not responsible for your loved one’s active addiction and that taking care of yourself is the most important thing.
Reaching out to a therapist or a support group can help you create healthy boundaries and make the right decision.
Conclusion
Addiction is a severe disease that can take over someone’s life.
In a relationship with an addicted person, it is essential to be supportive and understanding.
But there can be a day when you have to make the difficult decision to leave them. Professional treatment can help your loved one get sober, But whether or not they choose to rehabilitate is ultimately up to them.
No one should have to live with substance use disorder, so if you feel like you can no longer cope, it is ok to seek help.
Remember, you are not alone, and resources are available to help both of you.
