It's never easy to see someone you care about struggle with a disease, but according to Katia S. Stoletniy, MD, an addiction psychiatrist at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, the three C's of addiction recovery can help you support your loved one on their addiction recovery journey while also maintaining your own personal boundaries.
"I had nothing to do with it," she said.
Remember that you did not cause your loved one's addictive behaviors, which is crucial when dealing with addiction.
While your loved one may place the blame on you, Stoletniy says that understanding this will help you deal with their accusations. This is the first step to helping your loved one recover: understanding what you can and cannot control.
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"It's not something I can fix."
Addiction, like diabetes and hypertension, is a long-term condition that necessitates medical attention. According to Stoletniy, treating addiction necessitates both behavioral and dietary changes. Some treatment options include the use of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, cognitive behavioral therapy, or in-patient rehab. Also, different treatments may be used in conjunction with one another.
No, it is not a sign of abandonment. Stoletniy says, "It doesn't mean you'll allow them or enable them." You'll be able to see the options available to your loved one much more clearly.
"It's out of my hands."
Addiction is a disease of the brain that alters the chemistry in the brain. Stoletniy says that while it's natural to want to exert control over the actions of those you care about, resisting that urge will allow you to engage more productively and concentrate your efforts on the things you can control.
As you help a loved one on their road to recovery, you can educate yourself about addiction and take care of your own needs.
In the event that your loved one needs help, Stoletniy promises that you will be there to help them make the right decision.
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