There are many reasons why a person might develop an addiction. Often, addiction comes from a place of pain, and can be a sign or symptom of underlying trauma. However, there’s no denying that living with an addicted loved one can be a challenge, causing conflict and mistrust.
You want the best for your loved ones, and that includes the beneficial support of addiction treatment and recovery. Still, you may be afraid to bring up addiction treatment services with your loved one. What if they get angry or upset when you suggest addiction treatment, or resist the idea of seeking treatment even more as a result of your suggesting it?
You should know that you’re not alone in the struggle of coping with a loved one’s addiction. At Nugent Family Counseling, our team of therapists provides compassionate, non-judgmental support to patients with addiction issues, and to the families and communities that love them. With our expertise, you can find the best approach to connect and communicate with your addicted loved one, and start the process of healing and recovery.
Gentle, consistent support
When you talk to your loved one about their addiction, you can make a difference if you adjust your approach. Communicating with an addicted person can still get complicated quickly, so don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go exactly as you hoped right away. People with addictions often experience powerful emotions of shame and guilt surrounding their behavior, and change can be hard to embrace.
The best way to approach a loved one with an addiction is through kindness. You may need to firmly express consistent boundaries, but don’t lose touch with your compassion for your loved one in the moment of struggle. Continue to show that you accept your loved one as a person, even if you don’t support their behavior.
Professional support options
In the battle with addiction, you need professionals you and your loved one can trust to have your back. That’s where the experienced team at Nugent Family Counseling comes into the picture. If you feel like you need immediate support, you can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
When you partner with Nugent Family Counseling for addiction treatment, you benefit from our knowledgeable care team’s expertise. We provide comprehensive treatment for addiction, addressing the root causes of your loved one’s substance use problems, as well as focusing on cessation strategies and support.
Depending on your loved one’s needs, they may benefit from:
- Counseling and therapy, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Medication management and support
- Treatments like hypnosis or microcurrent electrical therapy (neurofeedback)
The first step can be the hardest with addiction treatment, so helping your loved one make it in for an appointment is a way to make a big difference in their life for the better. You can schedule an initial consultation appointment at one of our three conveniently located offices in San Jose, California, Los Gatos, California, or Reno, Nevada by going online, or by giving us a call over the phone.