1(800) 615-1067When someone is struggling with addiction and is in denial, it can be challenging to know what to do. Here are some steps you can take to support them:
Express concern: Let the person know that you are concerned about their health and well-being. Be honest about how their addiction is affecting you and your relationship.
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about addiction and available resources for treatment and support. This can help you provide more informed guidance and support to the person.
Encourage professional help: Encourage the person to seek professional help, such as counseling or addiction treatment. Offer to help them find resources and support them through the process.
Attend support groups: Consider attending support groups, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, which can provide a supportive community of people who have gone through similar experiences and can provide guidance and encouragement.
Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries to protect your own well-being. If the person’s behavior is negatively affecting your own life, consider setting boundaries and seeking support for yourself.
Offer emotional support: Let the person know that you are there for them and offer emotional support during this difficult time. Be patient, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
Avoid enabling: Avoid enabling the person’s addiction by not providing them with drugs or alcohol or participating in behaviors that support their addiction.
Remember that denial is a common defense mechanism for people with addiction, and it may take time for the person to acknowledge their problem and seek help. Encourage the person to seek professional help, attend support groups, set boundaries, offer emotional support, and avoid enabling. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to seek and maintain sobriety, but your support can make a positive impact on their recovery journey.