Addiction Recovery
concerned friend hugging loved one after learning how to help someone battling addiction
By BrightView
Published: August 27, 2024
Updated: July 11, 2024

Addiction can be a devastating disease, not only for the person struggling but also for their loved ones. If someone you care about is battling addiction, it can be challenging to know how to help.

However, with the right resources and support, it is possible to help someone overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Exploring tips and resources for helping someone battle addiction can help provide a better understanding of the disease and how to support someone in their journey toward recovery.

BrightView’s addiction treatment programs are designed to provide personalized care and support for individuals struggling with addiction. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, therapy, and long-term aftercare programs.

Call 888.501.9865 today to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery.

Understanding Addiction

One of the first steps in helping someone battle addiction is to understand their disease. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects an individual’s ability to control their behavior, despite the negative consequences that may result. Addiction is caused by changes in the brain’s reward circuit, which is activated by substances like drugs or alcohol. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on these substances, and seeking and using them becomes a compulsive and often harmful behavior.

How to Help Someone Battling Addiction

It can be challenging to know how to help someone with addiction, as each person’s journey to recovery is unique. The following are some tips to help someone with addiction:

Educate Yourself

One of the best ways to help someone battling addiction is to educate yourself about their disease. Many resources are available online and in your community to help you learn more about addiction, its causes, and its effects. By understanding addiction, you can better understand your loved one’s struggles and provide more effective support.

Be Supportive

Support is essential for anyone battling addiction. Let your loved one know you support them and are there for them, no matter what. Encourage them to seek help and provide resources and information about addiction treatment programs.

Avoid Enabling Behaviors

While support is crucial, it’s important to avoid enabling behaviors that can hinder your loved one’s recovery. Enabling can include making excuses for their behavior, providing them with money or drugs, or ignoring the negative consequences of their addiction. Instead, set healthy boundaries and encourage your loved one to take responsibility for their actions and seek help.

Encourage Them to Seek Treatment

Addiction treatment programs can offer the resources and support needed for lasting recovery. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and provide them with information about addiction treatment options. BrightView Health offers outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and individual and group therapy to support recovery.

Utilize Peer Support

Peer support can make a significant difference in recovery. Encourage your loved one to attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, or connect them with a peer recovery support specialist. Peer support can provide a sense of community and understanding and help individuals feel less alone in their recovery journey.

Practice Self-Care

Supporting someone battling addiction can be emotionally taxing. It’s essential to prioritize your own self-care to maintain your well-being. This can include taking breaks, seeking support from friends and family, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing your physical and emotional health.

How BrightView Health Can Help

At BrightView Health, we understand that addiction is a complex disease that requires personalized care and support. Our outpatient addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive resources and support to help individuals achieve lasting recovery. With locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, Arizona, Maryland, and Massachusetts, we’re accessible to many individuals seeking addiction treatment.

Call BrightView Today to Enroll in Our Addiction Treatment Programs

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help. Together, we can support recovery and promote lasting wellness. Call 888.501.9865 or complete our online form to begin the journey to recovery.