No one is born knowing how to communicate with someone who is addicted. If you’re also dealing with the shock of learning that a loved one has an addiction, you’ve got a recipe for miscommunication. Communication can be especially tough if you have been intentionally or unknowingly helping their addiction, and if they have been lying to you or are in denial about it. We crave social engagement with one another as humans. Communication abilities allow us to have meaningful conversations, tell humorous jokes, and share our sorrows. We crave social engagement with one another as humans. Communication abilities allow us to have meaningful conversations, tell humorous jokes, and share our sorrows.
Let’s take a look at how to communicate with someone who is addicted:
- Assist the Change Process– It takes a lot of courage to stand by an addict when they are in need. By attending family/group counselling with them, kids may see that you are willing to examine yourself and make changes as well, which will motivate them. Although your drive for change may be greater than theirs, as the person with addiction begins to benefit from treatment, this may begin to alter as the person with an addiction discovers that you are also willing to look at yourself and make changes. People at Rehab North Wales are excellent at guiding families in this aspect.
- Always remember to be kind– Because actions speak louder than words, demonstrating your caring through your actions can be an important component of a successful engagement. Always act with kindness and compassion. People with addictions expect others to criticize, blame, and degrade them, as well as for friends and family to reject them because addiction is so stigmatized in our society.
- Concentrate on them– Concentrate on the individual. Demonstrate how their substance usage has a detrimental impact on their personal lives, employment goals, and health. Without structuring the conversation around yourself, express your concerns.
- Assist Them in Seeking Help– People are typically ashamed of their addictions, and the fear of being reported to the police or another authority may be one of the most significant barriers to seeking help. Offer to look into getting assistance for the situation. Even if the person refuses, you can still seek assistance. Seeing you seek therapy and improve your mood and function can be motivating for them since it shows them that change is possible. Offer to locate and provide information about where to obtain assistance. If the addict’s condition worsens, concentrate on seeking help for yourself. You might seek assistance from Rehab North Wales in this regard.
Even if you disagree with their behavior, someone with an addiction is more likely to confide in you if you do not interrupt or condemn them. Here you can learn more about addictions and try to imagine what it’s like from their perspective. Always communicate your limits to an addict, and if they refuse to change and you feel you can no longer aid or live with them, kindly let them know. There is no motivation for someone to change if they are unaware of how much their addiction hurts you. Counseling may be an excellent place to bring this up with them.
