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Most family members who have had the misfortune of having to live or deal with someone suffering from drug addiction or alcohol abuse have tried on some level to stop their loved ones addiction. Begging and pleading, financially supporting and providing a place to live are all common mistakes someone makes when trying to stop the addiction of a loved one. The word used by therapists and trained medical professionals for someone who is constantly trying to help an addict or an alcoholic is codependency. Codependency is an unhealthy behavior and ultimately helps no one.
The hard truth is that ultimately no one can stop someone else from abusing drugs and alcohol. In fact it may even hurt the addict more by continually trying to help rescue them from addiction. Sometimes the best action someone can take is to create healthy boundaries.
Letting the addict or alcoholic know that you are going to be there to help when they are finally willing to make the decision to help themselves is often the best action that can be taken. Quality addiction treatment centers offer family programs to help teach loved ones and family members of addicts how to create healthy boundaries.
In addition individuals who attend family programs will learn about Alanon meetings so that they can gain ongoing support for themselves. Alanon meetings are twelve step meetings, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous , that serve the purpose ofproviding support and guidance to people who have a family member or a loved one who is suffering from addiction.
The process of separating from a struggling addict is without a doubt difficult. It is likely going to require the guidance and support from the Alanon meetings that family programs introduce people to. In the long run separating yourself with healthy boundaries from someone you know who is struggling with addiction will help them more than trying to save them.
