by Rya Joshi

Created on: November 30, 2009

Addiction has become an inevitable problem in the modern society. It is a behavioral disease. Experts say it is a complex behavior, which is difficult to be categorized. It becomes a great nuisance to the family, society and to the individual himself if left unchecked and untreated. But it can be cured easily if tackled in the beginning itself.

An Addicted Family Member Becomes an Unbearable Burden

Addiction is an innate desire of human being to experience quick pleasure and escape from stress or depression. In the modern fast life there are several plant products and synthetic compounds that serve as intoxicants and led to various addictions. But when member in our own family becomes addicted, it makes our life a hell. Living with a drug addict in the family can be emotionally draining and we may despair at the person they are becoming. Dr. Vivek Benegal Associate professor at National Institute of Mental Health, Bangalore, India, says, Having a close member in the family with a dependence problem increases an individual's risk of addiction by four times.

We need not lose our hope and become frustrated at the addicted family member. We can help him and cope with him with our positive efforts.

Ten Tips to Cope with and Help the Family Member

1) Positive understanding

First and foremost thing needed to cope with is a good understanding with a positive outlook. You should be on the alert to avoid the situation that may lead to aggravate the addiction. Positive persistence in your endeavors to avoid addiction will at last yield positive results. But negative attitude may bring spiraling effect of falling back.

2) Restrict chances of addiction

Give me more, is the mantra of addicted persons. Anything that goes beyond the expected limit becomes an addiction. Hence you should convince and restrict the chance of going beyond limits.

3) Engage in diverting attention

With an affectionate move you can engage the addicted person in some hobby or activity which will help him to be free from addiction. Addiction succeeds only when the mind is seriously occupied in the craving for the object of addiction.

4) Shake off the craving with a prudent tactic

Prudence is much needed n tackling the family member. For example it you tell a teenager to quit his addiction of smoking, there will be only a little chance of his giving up the newly-found pleasure. But if you tell him that he would develop wrinkles and no girl would kiss him, he would perhaps sit and listen.

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