To those affected by a loved ones addiction to drugs and alcohol
Just as a ripple is the effect of a pebble being dropped in a pond all of our actions affect those around us. For those of you who have or have had a family member or friend addicted to drugs or alcohol you understand the weight someone’s actions be on those closest to them.
It can be extremely difficult to watch someone you love and care about be so destructive with their lives. It can be very confusing for someone who does not fully understand addiction. You probably ask yourself, ‘why don’t they just stop?’
Just as it is difficult for the addict to stop and find sobriety, it can also be very difficult for a loved one to learn and set healthy boundaries for themselves. One thing I have heard from family members of an addict is that they do not want to hurt the one they love. My response to them, which is not easy to hear, is that it is possible to love somebody to death,.
It can be a difficult task to find that line that separates help and enabling. Through communication with others with an addict in the family and found that balance of support and healthy boundaries can you find your own. Remember, you can not make someone stop using who is not ready to stop. They have to be ready and willing, then your love and support will be an invaluable part of their recovery.
It is important to take care of yourself, it is not selfish. As a matter of fact it might be what the addict needs. If you are the family member or close friend of an addict you are not alone. Look into groups like Ala-non or Ala-teen for support. Just as the addict has to go through recovery so does the ones closest to them.
