Addiction causes an individual to lose control of their actions, which causes them to behave in ways that are destructive toward themselves and their loved ones. The stigma surrounding substance abuse and misuse is partially due to the misc … Read More
Recovery is a long, continual process that can involve individuals learning how to rebound after relapse. While relapse is common in recovery from addiction, ideally, clients learn tools that help decrease the risk of relapse during treatme … Read More
You need to be aware of the potential for relapses when you are in recovery for a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder. Planning and preparing for a relapse is highly recommended with a relapse prevention plan. Having a plan can … Read More
Attending a dedicated rehab program is a major step toward one’s sobriety. However, there can also be a myriad of barriers during this time, even for those who are ready to begin their sober journey. Familial obligations or stigmas ma … Read More
One type of substance misuse that has grown in popularity with young adults and teenagers is mixing multiple substances to enhance the effects of drug-induced “highs.” This practice is hazardous and increases the risk of overdose and de … Read More
While addiction affects one’s physical health, mental health, and many other aspects of one’s life, the effects of addiction are not isolated to a single individual. One’s children are fundamentally impacted by having a pa … Read More
Just as each individual’s experiences with addictive substances are wholly personal, so too is one’s most effective route to sobriety. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol or the … Read More
There are many factors involved in the development and recovery from addiction, with one’s environment playing an integral role throughout both. Understanding the impact of one’s environment, how it introduces or shapes ideas su … Read More
Helping a loved one identify and overcome the use of addictive substances is a noble effort, and making oneself available to support others throughout their recovery should be celebrated. However, there is a fine line between helping a love … Read More
Challenging the use of addictive substances is difficult, and even those ready and wanting to commit themselves to a healthier, sober lifestyle face their first hurdle when trying to reach out for help. Asking for help for drug or alcohol a … Read More
Challenging the use of addictive substances is difficult, and even those ready and wanting to commit themselves to a healthier, sober lifestyle face their first hurdle when trying to reach out for help. Asking for help for drug or alcohol abuse is a stressful, vulnerable experience. There is no easy way to face feelings of guilt, shame, or uncertainty when taking this step toward sobriety.
Yet, there are ways to effectively reach out to trusted loved ones to gain the support needed to begin the steps to recovery. Reaching out to professional detox and recovery professionals and asking for the necessary support at home is a great first start.
Suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol is an isolating experience, and it is common for those battling addiction to feel alone in their struggles. Some feel as if they will not be understood by others who have not lived through the experience themselves. Others may engage in self-isolating behaviors or have created barriers between themselves and close relationships through the use of addictive substances.
Addiction never truly affects an individual in isolation. Friends, family, coworkers, and more are all affected by a loved one’s use. Reaching out for support from trusted loved ones is crucial, as it can help begin rebuilding these relationships already affected by substance use. Understanding the interconnected and widespread nature of the disease can empower those struggling with their use to begin to reach out.
Asking for help to overcome the use of drugs or alcohol is stressful, and it is difficult to know how and when to approach such a vulnerable, fragile conversation. Luckily, there are strategies that each individual can use to best address the situation and create a trusted, effective circle of support as they begin their recovery journey to sobriety.
The journey with addiction is a personal matter, and reaching out for help does not mean that individuals have to publicly announce their needs or goals in recovery. Rather, talking with just one or two trusted family members can be much more effective. This ensures a more intimate, private conversation about recovery. The quality of an individual’s supports is incredibly impactful. When individuals have only the most trusted people in their support circle, this can allow for the most effective, honest, and open approach to their needs for detox and recovery.
Being comfortable while discussing these personal needs is paramount. Talking to friends or family members in a comfortable, quiet environment can ensure that there are no distractions. It can be beneficial to schedule a time for a meeting to allow the opportunity to prepare ahead of time and plan what needs to be communicated. Eliminating unnecessary noise and being able to be comfortable with the conversation can all be beneficial for navigating this time.
Being willing to ask for help is already a major step in the recovery journey. For those struggling with addiction, it is normal to feel uncertainty or trepidation about how to describe their needs and goals, or explain their daily struggles to those who have not suffered from the disease themselves. When individuals take time to rehearse what they want to say, this allows them to ensure that they are divulging such information accurately. This allows thought to be put into conveying their needs, goals, and intentions, as well as setting the tone for honest and open dialogue.
Talking to a professional can be difficult. Taking advantage of anonymous online chats can help individuals learn the best way to approach a conversation with friends, family, and loved ones. For some, this can be reaching out and calling dedicated detox and recovery centers. Others may make use of other online forums to discuss their needs with those who have lived through similar experiences and tackled similar hurdles while maintaining their anonymity.
Reaching out for help is a difficult step to take. It should be celebrated when individuals gather the courage and bravery to admit their need for professional detox and recovery. Talking to friends, family, and loved ones about their struggles is a difficult thing to do. Taking time to emotionally prepare to address their needs honestly is essential. Admitting the need for change comes coupled with acknowledging mistakes made as a result of addiction. Being able to openly discuss how addiction has affected others and apologizing for specific events can set the tone for the support to come.
Beginning the recovery journey with honesty and respect for trusted loved ones is crucial for individuals to create a truly unified front to overcome addiction. Beginning the journey to recovery with open communication and trust can ensure that the time spent in detox, residential, and ongoing care is effective.
Reaching out to friends, family, and loved ones is difficult, and we at Pacific Sands Recovery Center champion the courage needed to take this first, transformative step towards your sobriety. Located in Santa Ana, CA, we are prepared to help you navigate your needs and goals for detox and recovery. We are ready to work with you to help you challenge your use of drugs and alcohol while developing the personal skills and communication strategies needed to continue growing these essential supports. From detox to residential and beyond, we are prepared to work with you to create a personalized program for you throughout each step of your recovery journey. For more information on how we can help you, or for information on how you can begin reaching out to your loved ones about your needs and goals, call to speak with us today at (949) 426-7962.
