Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction

You’re scared and angry. Your loved one’s drinking and/or drug use has gotten out of control. They’re staying out late, shirking responsibilities, and spending too much time and money on their habit. You barely ever see them and when you do, they’re either drunk or high or you get into an argument with them.

You’re afraid that their addiction could lead to them or someone else getting hurt. You miss them. But you don’t know what to do. You’ve tried talking calmly, yelling, offering to help, and making ultimatums but nothing’s working. They just don’t see how serious their problem is and they don’t think they need to stop drinking or using drugs.

You don’t want to give up on your relationship with your loved one. You remind yourself of the good times and all the things you love about them. You cherish the moments when you can see the “real” them, beyond their addiction and the problems it causes. You try to hold onto those good memories when times get tough and the arguments start. 

But you can’t live like this anymore. You have trouble sleeping at night, wondering if they’re okay. You can’t focus at work because you’re so preoccupied with what’s going on. And what’s worse, you feel like you can’t talk to anyone about this because you feel so ashamed and don’t want them to judge you or your loved one.

If this sounds familiar, you may feel like you’re losing yourself trying to support your loved one with their addiction. Your needs have taken a backseat to trying to keep your loved one safe and on the path to recovery. As much as you want to keep helping, you may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or like your patience is wearing thin. You don’t know how much longer you can go on like this because it’s clear that your own well-being is suffering.

Therapy can help. As therapists who have worked with those struggling with addiction and their loved ones, we will provide you with ongoing support so you don’t have to feel ashamed, alone, or overwhelmed anymore. You will learn what changes to make to take better care of yourself in order to help your loved one. You will learn practical tools to manage your stress and anxiety.

If you are sick and tired of feeling held hostage by your loved one’s addiction, call (267) 317-8817 or click here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to learn how to take the first step in getting your life back.

You may be thinking that therapy could help you with coping with your loved one’s addiction, but you have some lingering questions…

I’M NOT THE ONE WITH THE PROBLEM. WHY DO I NEED THERAPY?

Coping with a loved one’s addiction takes a toll on your well-being. Likely, you’re working so hard to hold it all together for your loved one that you’re struggling to meet your own mental, physical, and emotional needs. This is why it helps to attend therapy with a licensed professional who’s educated about addiction and familiar with its impact on the affected person’s support system and community. Your therapist will support you in taking better care of yourself and putting your needs first so that you’re better able to help your loved one as they cope with their addiction.

I’M WORRIED THAT MY THERAPIST WILL JUDGE ME/MY LOVED ONE/MY SITUATION.

Therapy is a confidential and non-judgemental space designed to support you as you work through the concerns in your life and learn new strategies to address them. Your therapist will never make you feel guilty, belittled, or judged for what you’re going through. Instead, they will offer encouragement, insight, and accountability as you work toward your goals.

HOW EXACTLY DOES THERAPY WORK?

Your therapist will provide a safe and supportive environment where you will have the space to talk about what you need to, get things off your chest, and build some self-awareness. With that being said, your therapist won’t just sit and listen and nod; they’ll offer feedback and give you exercises to help you learn the tools you need to achieve your goals and live a life that feels meaningful. 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU MEET?

You’ll meet with your therapist for 50-minute weekly sessions. We recommend meeting weekly because you’ll be able to get to know each other quickly and work on a variety of tools and coping strategies, which will help you make progress toward your goals. 

IS THERAPY WORTH THE MONEY?

Therapy is an investment in your well-being and growth, and like any investment, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. It pays to seek help from an experienced, licensed professional who understands your concerns and is qualified to help you build the life you want to live.

HOW DOES THIS WORK DURING COVID?

Serenity Solutions is currently providing online therapy using secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing programs. Online therapy is available to Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents. Click here for more information. 

HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

Give us a call at 267-317-8817 or click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. During that phone consultation, we will inform you about our services, assess your needs, and get you scheduled with the therapist who’s the best fit for you so that you can begin sessions ASAP.