Whether you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, struggling with addiction to other substances, or dealing with a mental health disorder, deciding that it’s time to talk and speak up about your issues is never easy. Fortunately, it’s a good thing to want to speak up about your problems, and you shouldn’t let the nervousness detract you from admitting you have a problem with your closest family members.
So how do you begin the process of speaking to your family about your struggles with substance abuse? It all starts with understanding the benefits of speaking up about your addiction.
Why It’s Beneficial to Discuss Your Addiction
Your addiction is scary, but the best way to find treatment is to discuss your problem with drugs or other substances. The best people to speak to are your family members, and they are most likely to ensure you get the care and attention you need to help you overcome your substance use. They could also operate as a release valve for your thoughts and feelings that could ease the burden on your mind.
If you have an alcohol addiction, you can turn to your friend or family members that you might drink with and let them know to avoid putting you in situations that lead to alcohol abuse. Your true friends and loved ones are important in the process, and you don’t want to leave them out and potentially make your situation harder than it already is.
Preparing for the Conversation
You never want to jump right into the conversation without a plan. Hearing about a behavioral health problem will be a surprise to whoever you speak to, so you want to have a few notes written down or topics to discuss. You also want to approach the conversation with information and tips to help educate your family and friends about your situation.
Prepare for Their Reactions
Even the most even-keeled family members can be thrown aback by the news they receive. Hopefully, your family is ready and willing to help, but you want to be prepared for their initial reaction to your admission. It will likely take time to work through the emotions, especially if your family and friends feel partially responsible for your substance abuse.
Know What You Want to Say
You don’t want to come into the conversation without a plan, so writing down notes or having a few topics to help answer questions is a good idea. You might even have information you can explain better in writing, so it’s good to come into the conversation with an idea of what you want to say.
Get Help
It can be intimidating to throw yourself into the fire alone, so consider getting a trusted friend to help you with the conversation. Speaking to your family about your substance abuse can be scary, and you don’t want to miss any details. A friend can help remind you of any overlooked topics and fill in the blanks on any confusing issues.
What Should You Say?
When in the conversation, you might be scared, worried, and unsure of what to say. There might be plenty more you want to discuss, but a few of these topics can help you not miss any important information during your discussion.
Be Honest
Be honest about the magnitude of your addiction, and let your family know that addiction is a mental illness that you need help to address. Are you in search of some form of health care for your addiction? Suffering from intense withdrawal symptoms and need assistance? Be honest with your family about your situation and your thoughts.
Share Plans
Part of your discussion should involve sharing your plans with your family. You want to approach the conversation with at least a rough plan outline, but even if you don’t have one, be honest with your family that you aren’t sure yet. Either way, it’s good to show them that you have an idea of the next steps.
Ask for Their Help
A substance use disorder isn’t a one-man job, and you should ask them to lend you a helping hand and make sure they know how important their help would be to your cause. Ask your family to set you up with a treatment program or find a safe addiction treatment center to help you begin treatment.
What to Do if Your Family Isn’t Supportive
Unfortunately, not all family members will understand the magnitude of your situation or the best ways to be supportive. You might feel a family member won’t be supportive or that it’s best to only speak to one family member. Some may not believe you need outside help for an addiction, and it may be tough speaking to those who may be directly or indirectly responsible for your addiction.
No matter why you believe your family won’t be supportive, you don’t have to feel like you’re all alone. Finding a recovery center is your primary goal, and Solstice Counseling & Wellness Center is an addiction treatment center committed to providing safe, healthy, and adaptive treatment methods for individuals. Reach out to us today for more information on how our center can help you, tips for your admission, or sign up for one of today or tomorrow’s Telehealth sessions.