Helping a Loved One With An Alcohol or Drug Problem

Having explored these questions with the person you want to help, what you can and cannot do will become clearer. In the meantime, some personal guidelines (which I myself do not always succeed in following) are useful.

•Don’t take their behavior personally.

•Be realistic about the limits of being able to rescue someone, and maintain your boundaries.

•Don’t make threats you aren’t prepared to back up.

•Don’t be fooled by claims of a “cure.”

•Be honest. Don’t ignore the problem and don’t make excuses for anyone.

•Don’t enable–don’t prevent the addict from suffering the consequences of their choices.

•Know your own weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to seek help yourself.

Permalink

Write a comment

• Required fields are marked with *.

Name:
Email:
Website:
Comment: *

Security Code: