A substance use disorder (SUD) is a recognized illness caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Addiction is a medical issue that can't be cured, only treated. Here are five ways to avoid causing psychological harm to a person in recovery.
#1. Avoid Stigmatizing Language
The stigma around SUDs continues to persist because of the presence of antiquated language and ideas regarding SUDs. Today, the medical field recognizes SUDs as a chronic, treatable medical condition. We know people can recover and continue to lead healthy lives. Feeling stigmatized can make people with SUD less willing to seek treatment. It fosters sentiments like fear, pity, and anger among the public towards persons with SUDs.
To help, refrain from using terms like addicted, alcoholic, or addicted to drugs. Such labels limit their personhood to their illness. Instead, “use person-first language, which focuses on the person—not their illness.” You can use the following terms:
Person with a substance use disorder (instead of “addict,” “user,” or “junkie”)
Person with an opioid use disorder (OUD)
Person with alcohol use disorder (instead of using “alcoholic” or “drunk”)
Overall, listen instead of being condescending to people and encouraging them, and giving them support in the right ways. They can provide you with the words that they prefer to use to describe their illness.
#2. Avoid Minimizing Their Situation
People struggling with SUDs need the support of their families and peers. Providing support means recognizing the severity of this illness. This means refraining from encouraging all substance use, regardless of which drug of choice they had during active addiction. People suffering from addiction are vulnerable to replacing one substance with another one. Hence, it is vital to avoid all other intoxicants, including alcohol. Refraining from doing so could lead to relapse. To show your support, avoid downplaying their suffering with such sayings:
“You can stop when you want to.”
“You deserve to have a drink now and again.”
“It's all about balance.”
“One drink isn't going to hurt."
Instead of minimizing the journey of recovery, find sober ways to engage with them. Avoid using or drinking around them, especially during early recovery.
#3. Avoiding Their Presence or Concerns
People in recovery want someone to listen without judgment. It’s difficult for someone who has been through something as serious as addiction to talk about how they feel. Never dismiss their feelings of pain and suffering. A good approach is to ask a few questions, especially open-ended ones, to get a better sense of their story.
There are many ways you can help a friend with a substance abuse disorder. You can take the following steps:
Find an activity that gets them exercising or out in nature.
Let your friend talk about their SUD without them feeling like they are burdening you.
Listen to your friend carefully and without judgment.
Continue to treat them with love and compassion, especially if they experience a relapse or a serious setback.
#4. Not Supporting Their Treatment Plan
In order to recover, an individual needs to know that their support system will back their treatment plan. If you are a part of someone's support system, it is helpful to provide unconditional love and acceptance. They will find it invaluable to their recovery. There may be times that the recovery process may tax their support system’s time, finances, or emotional tolerance. For instance, they may need your help to:
Opt for inpatient rehabilitation treatment as a medical necessity
Attend daily 12-Step meetings
Attend a family therapy session
Take time off from work or family responsibilities for medical detox
There are no shortcuts to maintaining sobriety; recovery from a SUD can be a lifelong journey. The path to recovery is often complex and non-linear. Show up, be patient, and listen compassionately. The reward of recovery is worth it for both you and them.
#5. Avoid Using Ultimatums
It's common for people in recovery to have a troublesome time with members of their support system demanding them to get sober. Ultimatums rarely work. They just create more stress, resentments, and fear of the individual with a SUD. If you notice a loved one struggling, don’t give them an ultimatum. Simply let them know that you love them and are there to support them. Encourage, but don’t pressure them. To take care of your own mental health, set boundaries for how you can support, but not enable, their behavior. This is a far better way to practice compassion regarding your loved one’s SUD.
Addiction is a disease that affects the mind, body, and soul, so it's crucial that those suffering from it can reach out for help without fear of judgment. Remember, people who are in recovery have often endured many years of illness in active addiction. They have to work hard every day to stay on track and stay healthy. Avoid shaming language or pointing fingers. It is really important to be supportive and empathetic towards someone in recovery. For example, try highlighting their positive attributes, their hopes, or their progress. Letting someone know that you know that they are taking steps in their recovery will encourage them to stay on the right path. At Monte Cristo, we can help you. Give us a call at (714) 824-9896. Our board-certified physicians and qualified RNs will go the extra mile in terms of service. Let us help you restore your life, relationships, and passions. SUD doesn't have to control you anymore.