Determining the proper approach
In the article “Narcotics Addiction, The cure Proper Method”, Written by Mr. Hossein Dezhakam in May 2005, Mr. Dezhakam acknowledged the fact that a family member or loved one who is suffering from addiction disease has to be approached in a proper way. We are aware of how useless it is if the guidance falls on deaf ears, and this is the case with various attempts to advice an addict. But there are particular, proactive actions which you can take disregarding where your loved one is at in their addiction. This is reason why Companions, those whose loved ones are suffering from addiction disease, play such a significant role in Congress 60. There are no definite, strict regulations here because different personality types will call for different approaches. One valuable recommendation might be to always use a caring approach instead of a menacing one. Given, we should consider the different levels of denial and willingness to change that our loved ones might have:
1. Complete Denial – If an individual is in total denial of their addiction, then there is little which you can do other than focus on your own behaviors and actions. A proper intervention is improbable to leads to an instant change, although it might be a motivation for an addict and inform them how much others care for them. In some cases, an intervention would be a harmful move on your part; at this point it is better to take care of yourself and simply set up healthy boundaries with the individual.
2. They are admitting to their addiction, yet they are disinclined to take action - This is the difference between admitting and accepting that they are suffering from addiction disease. The fear of change, the fear of life without drugs and alcohol is so huge for them, even though they know that they have a real challenging problem. They are in situation which they have to choose between two unpleasant alternatives, to get along with their addiction or accept the massive fear of change in their life and seek help for their addiction.
I was in such situation for several months; I was frightened to get help and make a change in my life. I was petrified of the idea of looking toward life without heroin. At last, what made me to seek for help to overcome my problem was a straightforward, informal talk with my brother, a highly respected and mature minded person who is living overseas, over the phone. Eventually, this was the starting point for me, whereas a comprehensive formal intervention in the past had failed. However, keep that in mind that the formal intervention should have been a crucial part of the journey.
3. They admit to their addiction and say they are having tendency to Change, yet only in their own conditions – However, this is denial, but in its sliest form. The person has agreed to accept their problem and says that they are willing to change. An individual might even have a genuine readiness to change. But the serious problem is that such person is only going to change in his own conditions and on his own terms.
Fear is still pushing them back. The person is one step away from making a life changing decision. What should be advised here is to tread with caution, be helpful and supportive, and don’t push them over the edge. If an individual is unsociable, isolated, shy, or have anxiety or depression, then a formal intervention with lots of people might not be a good idea at this stage. In order to know how to help and support drug addicts you have to learn and understand how to press up against this wall of fear. It can be a difficult equilibrium to achieve.
4. They accept the fact that they are addicted and will do nearly everything you recommend – This is complete submission, and shows that they are ready to change their life. Help them find a good addiction treatment center, as a piece of advice, you can’t find anywhere better than Congress 60.
Written by: Traveler Keyhan