I’m caring for someone with substance use disorder
Addiction or substance use disorder is when a person’s body gets so used to drugs and/or alcohol that they can no longer function without it in their system. Because their body builds up tolerance over time, they’ll need more and more of the substance to feel the effects. They may become fixated with using and obtaining the substance to the point that they’ll skip out on their responsibilities. Often, substance use disorders co-occur with other mental health problems and serious mental illnesses.
When a family member is using substances in a harmful or risky way, it can put an incredible strain on the whole family.
The most important thing for you to accept is that it’s not up to you to fix them.
You can try to help and encourage your family member to make changes but you can’t do it for them. Change can only happen when they want to change, feel able to change and develop a plan to change.
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How you can help:
- Talk to your loved one about your concerns. Tell them what their addiction has been like for you. Be honest about your feelings and about what you would like to happen next
- Don’t blame, criticize or humiliate your loved. Simply say what it has been like for you
- Take a collaborative approach to problem solving instead of a confrontational one. Let them know that you’re going to support them on their journey to recovery
- Encourage your family member to share their feelings and reflections about their situation
- Express empathy – try to understand and acknowledge the person’s point of view without anger or judgement
- Steer the conversation toward possibility and action
- Encourage them to seek help; this may include finding treatment resources for them
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Take care of yourself
In order to have the energy to be there for someone else, you need to look after your own emotional and physical well-being. Make sure your own needs are met by getting enough sleep, exercising and eating well.
It’s also important to get the support you need to cope with a loved one who has an addiction. There are therapists who specialize in addiction counseling for family members and there are also specialized support groups, such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.
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Get help:
- Connect with a support group to learn more about addiction and the emotional and psychological toll it is taking on you. Al-Anon is a support group for family members of someone who has an alcohol addiction. Nar-Anon is a support group for family members of someone who has a substance use disorder
- Breaking Free Online, an innovative online therapy tool for Ontarians 16 and up that makes it faster and easier to access effective addictions supports. The tool is available 24/7 in both English and French, or call 833-325-1338 toll-free to speak to a member of the Breaking Free team.
- Reach out to Connex Ontario–for free health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs or mental health issues at connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600
- Share your experiences and concerns with other young caregivers in our online peer support group or be part of the conversation in our online forum
- See also caring for someone with a mental illness
Not sure where to start? Call our 24/7 helpline or talk to us in our live chat to find resources in your community.
Sources:
https://keltymentalhealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/just_ask_for_young_adults_-_web.pdf
