Accepting that you are addicted to drugs and alcohol can often be a tall order. It is the obsession of nearly every alcoholic and addict to control their drinking and drug use. Unfortunately, many who cannot recover are unable because they do not understand that they will never control their drinking or drug use. Loving an addict can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences, especially if they do not believe they have a problem.
You may wonder how to talk to an addict in denial. Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer or prewritten script. Talking to your loved one about their drug and alcohol use is hard, but it is a conversation that just might change their life forever. At Laguna View Detox, we understand the heartbreak of addiction and the impact that an addict has on their loved ones. We are here to support you as you try to support your loved one and help them find their way into recovery.
Signs Your Loved One Is an Addict
You know your loved one better than anyone else, so you already know how much they have changed. You may have noticed physical changes such as pinpoint pupils, bloodshot eyes, or just a look that shows they are not quite there in the same way. Perhaps they have become paler, seem to be sick, or have lost weight. Maybe the person who always cared about their appearance has become someone who barely runs a comb through their hair.
In addition to the physical changes, you may notice mood swings, increased anger, and a lack of patience. Your once pleasant loved one may now be a person who angers easily and yells often. Perhaps they are isolated and are avoiding the activities that used to bring them joy. While there are signs specific to the drugs being used, the most significant sign of addiction is an overall change in who the person is.
Tips on How to Talk to an Addict in Denial
Talking to someone about their drug and alcohol addiction requires striking a balance between fact and emotion. While there is no one way how to talk to an addict in denial, there are some central themes that you will want to include. First, it is crucial to help your loved one see how their drug use affects you. Perhaps their behavior has become erratic and you feel that you can no longer depend on them. Maybe you have found that you cannot trust them to fulfill their obligations in your shared home. The effects you’re experiencing may be emotional, physical, financial, and psychological. Make a list of how their drug use has affected you so that you are prepared and don’t lose track once you start talking. It’s also a great idea to be prepared with treatment information. It’s entirely possible that the conversation could go well, and you may find that they are willing to go to treatment. Be ready with a treatment facility already picked out so that you can have them on the phone with the treatment center staff immediately. If you can convince them to go to treatment, you do not want them to have too much time to change their minds.
How Laguna View Detox Can Help Your Loved One Today
At Laguna View Detox, we understand addiction, and we know how to treat it. We offer round-the-clock care in a luxurious, inpatient treatment setting in one of the most beautiful areas in California. We can arm you with information about addiction treatment so that you can talk to the addict in your life. We’ll ensure your loved one makes it through detox safely and then help them build a new sober life.
Our committed and compassionate staff are some of the best in the industry, and they’ll work with your loved one to create an individualized, holistic treatment plan. We understand the interplay between mental health and addiction and are here to help. We also understand the importance of helping you build a support network for when you leave treatment. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare. So contact us today and let us help you break free from addiction!