Addiction is a condition that may cause some changes in the brain. The dopamine receptors activate in the brain of the addict and send signals to the brain that alcohol or drugs are rewards. With time, the brain adapts and becomes dependent on the substance being used. trnq
But, no need to worry as addiction is treatable. There are inpatient rehab centres that may be a good solution, while health coaching and counselling can also be helpful. During the recovery phase, help from friends and family is also needed.
Addiction can be the most severe condition to deal with. It takes multiple people to help treat the patient, including friends, doctors, and family members.
How addiction can affect a household
Addiction is a severe condition that affects all family members in different ways. Some effects that family members of the addict might experience are:
- depression
- guilt
- anxiety, stress
- embarrassment and anger
- financial problems
- inconsistencies in routines
- security and physical danger
Tips for living with an addict
It is important to keep in your mind that you didn’t cause the addiction. You are not the reason and you certainly can’t fix it alone. What you can do is take steps to ensure you and your family’s safety and well-being. If you are living with a family member who has an addiction, follow these tips:
- Keep yourself and your family safe. This is extremely important if you have someone vulnerable, such as elderly relatives, children, and pets. Make sure to set boundaries and household rules. If the safety of the family members becomes an issue, feel free to ask the family member with an addiction to leave the home temporarily.
- Have an emergency response plan ready. This includes having backup from family, friends, therapists, or, in extreme conditions, the police. If somebody is acutely intoxicated with a substance, they may become dangerous for anyone around them.
- Restrict access to money. If your loved one is addicted, they may do whatever they can to get the money to buy the substance. It may be best to cut them off from any bank accounts and block their credit cards. Consider opening up a new bank account for yourself as a precaution for difficult times.
- Encourage treatment. Talk to your family member who is addicted, about going through a treatment program. Consult a specialist doctor who deals in addiction. You may get their prescribed medicines from https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/online-pharmacy/ which is a trusted online pharmacy for all medicines. You may also consider getting your loved one through rehab, psychotherapy, and nutritional therapy.
- Prioritize self-care. This may be the most difficult time for you and your family as well. The stress related to your loved one’s addiction can make it easy to neglect your own health needs. Try to take some time out for yourself. Eat right, exercise, and take time to relax and unwind. Remember you need to keep yourself sane in order to help your family member who is addicted.
