If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, you may feel at a loss as to how to help. By permitting addictive behaviors, covering up mistakes, or trying to alleviate the consequences of their addiction, you may inadvertently perpetuate the problem. Your loved one may continue to live in denial or think everything is under control if they are not aware of the seriousness of their struggle. One of the important ways you can help them is to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Here are some helpful tips to remember as you seek to love and help your loved ones well.
Maintain Boundaries Over Your Time, Space, and Money
Though you may feel like it is helping your loved one to bail them out of jail, it may actually do the opposite. Consequences of addictive behaviors often bring an individual to a realization that they need to make changes and seek professional help to overcome their struggle. Decide boundaries regarding giving money, picking them up late at night, or housing them while they are using illegal substances well in advance and discuss with your loved one so they are aware of the boundaries too.
Do Not Cover Over Their Mistakes
In an effort to protect your loved one, you may be very tempted to make excuses for them to other family members, friends, or employers, however this only leads to further mistakes and denial of the actual problems. Communicate with your loved one and be sure they know that you love them, care for them, and want what is best for them and that means you cannot cover up their mistakes or else you will just be enabling them to continue to make those same mistakes.
Seek Professional Help
If you are unable to manage the situation on your own, as is often the case despite healthy boundaries, one of the greatest ways you can assist your loved one is to point them in the direction of professional help. You can do so by reaching out to Solace Asia at 012.885.4686 today.
