Addiction some say it's a need, others say it's a habit, others say it's a disease. I say it's D, all of the above. Since I was five addiction has been apart of my life in one way or another. I grew up with an alcoholic mother, and stepfather. And three of my brothers suffer from addictions. One is an alcoholic and Meth user,he is currently serving five years because of the meth. One is addicted to pot, and is also an alcoholic. And last but not, least one has been hooked on pot, meth,and crack. Addiction I guess you could say is what I know.How to deal with addiction when it's a family member. First of all don't blame yourself, the what if I had done this, what if I could change that , you can't change the what ifs and should I's. You can only do what is right, now.

1. Tough love is a good way to start. Don't get me wrong don't turn your back on them. Do an intervention, the more people willing to participate the better. And what ever you do, don't back down. Make them realize what they are doing to themselves, what they are losing.

2. Don't make things easy on them because they play the guilt card. I remember my brother begged me to barrow money one time, claiming it was for food. So I called his bluff I said "Bailey" if you're hungry come in the house and I'll fix you whatever you want. He blew up and said that I was just trying to hurt him.So calmly I turned to him and told him, if your hungry eat here, if you're not leave. But I will not help you kill yourself.

3. Listen, don't just hear actually listen. Alot of time's people miss the cries for help. Because they don't really listen. More time's than not they drop hints, they don't just come out and say "I need help, I need rehab". You have to learn to read between the lines.

4. Be there for them, the number one thing that helps addicts get clean and stay clean is family support. I know they have put you through alot, but was it really them doing it to or the drug? They need you to be there backbone so to speak , especially in the beginnig.

5.Realize all the begging and fighting in the world isn't going to get them sober until the are ready. They have to want it, for it to work. You can put them in the best rehab in the world, but if they aren't ready it just won't work.

6. Do your research. With all the information on line you can find what to expect while they are detoxing. You can find the best rehabs, to offer that person when they are ready to take that step. Look in the yellow pages for numbers for support groups not only for them, but for yourself as well. If you can't find one start one.

7. It's not a matter of if they'll backslide, it's a matter of when. Don't lose hope when they do. Just remember to take everything one step at a time.

Learn more about this author, Grace Austin.
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