When Someone You Love Has an Addiction: 5 Tips on How to Help an Addict

Published on: 25 December 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

Helping someone who has addiction problems can be a challenge. Unlike other health issues, people who are addicts will actively try to avoid getting help.

Read this article to find out how to help an addict.

1. Know the Signs:

In order to help someone who has addiction issues, first, you need to recognize that they have a problem. Learn the signs of addiction so you can see them in your loved ones.

For example, you might notice mood swings, abrupt changes in sleeping pattern and appetite, and changes in physical appearance. Addicts may also try to frequently borrow money.

When addiction becomes serious, the addict may no longer be able to keep up with their responsibilities. They might also stop enjoying some of the things they once liked to do.

2. How to Help an Addict? Establish Trust:

If an addict feels you aren’t someone they can trust, they might cut you out of their life. Avoid nagging, lecturing, and making personal attacks. In most cases, this sort of thing will just act as a trigger and cause the addict to indulge in their addiction even more.

Instead, be patient and try to be understanding. Recognize that deciding to go into recovery can take time.

You can’t force an addict into recovery. But if you’ve established trust, you can guide them towards it when the time is right.

3. Take Care of Yourself:

It’s important that you take care of your own well-being when trying to help an addict. Set clear boundaries and don’t let the addict overstep them. If you allow yourself to become stressed out by the situation, you’re just going to make things worse in the long run.

Also, you shouldn’t engage in any addictive behaviors yourself. You won’t have much credibility if you’re telling them to get help while you’re drinking a case of beer a day.

4. Don’t Protect Them From Consequences:

While this is difficult to do, it’s often a bad move to protect your loved one from the consequences of their actions. Facing up to the results of their negative behavior is often what an addict needs to recognize they have a problem.

If you shelter an addict from the consequences, you might just be preventing them from making a recovery.

5. Accept That It’ll Take Time:

If you want to provide good addiction support, you need to accept that it’ll take time. Don’t expect miracles.

Recovering from addiction is a long road. In some cases, an addict might relapse.

If this happens, you shouldn’t overreact. For many addicts, relapse is a natural part of recovery.

Be There for Your Loved Ones:

Now you know a bit more about how to help an addict. It’s important to remember that you can do everything right, and it still might not work out.

Do what you can for your loved one, but don’t allow it to become excessively detrimental to your own life.

Want to know more about outpatient rehab? Then check out our blog post.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain

Everyone desires to have sparkling white teeth. They do help make great first impressions. But as you age, your teeth will lose their natural brightness and start turning yellow. This could either be due to plaque buildup or staining from drinking certain food items such as caffeine, red wine, or even chewing tobacco. The dental porcelain veneers treatments are the easiest solutions for you to relieve the smile embarrassments. When Are You Going To Need Porcelain Veneers Treatments? If your natural teeth have been discolored, an easy way to cover them up is to get porcelain veneers. Veneers are quite popular with celebrities who want to flaunt a perfect smile on red carpets. But if you are paying money to cover up discolored teeth, you don't want them to stain again. So do porcelain veneers get stained? Dr. Lavoyger E. Gies, who provides porcelain veneers in San Antonio joined us to share his expertise in the situation. What Are Porcelain Veneers? Veneers are thin wafer-like shells that are attached to the front of your teeth. They are custom-made in your natural color to help blend them with the rest of your teeth. These porcelain veneers are great for hiding chipped, broken, gapped, or stained teeth. And it is a non-invasive procedure too. The dentist will first shave down some of your enamel to prepare your teeth for the veneers. And then, he will stick the veneers with the help of a special glue. Once attached firmly, the dentist will do some polishing so that their shapes and sizes are exactly! What you are looking for. The whole procedure is convenient, and results can last a really long time too. And you can get them for either just one tooth or your entire front teeth. Will My Porcelain Veneers Stain? If you are getting veneers to alter your natural tooth color, you definitely want to know if they will stain too, right? Having to replace them regularly would be inconvenient and expensive. But fret not! As porcelain veneers don’t stain as your natural teeth do. The enamel of your tooth absorbs some of the colors from the food you eat. So eventually, they start turning yellow or black(if you eat tobacco). Even your dental fillings made from the composite resin can get discolored over time. But your veneers won’t get stained anytime soon. The best part is the porcelain veneers do not stain like your natural teeth and have no chances of the cavity and other black stains. On average, porcelain veneers last a good 15-20 years. And the material is not just physically stronger than your teeth but even resistant to stains. The natural tooth enamel is far more robust than your porcelain veneers. As a result, you have been more conscious while biting up pungent foods. However, you may have to keep certain drinking habits in moderation. Over time, the veneers may start losing their natural color after continuous exposure to certain strong-colored food items such as black coffee and red wine. How To Make Your Veneers Last Long? Restricting intake of certain colored drinks and regular dental checkups will help preserve your veneers. There are also certain oral care habits that will help retain your veneer’s natural color for longer. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove any food particles or plaque stuck to your teeth. They will even help prevent any gum disease that may affect your veneers. With the right care, some patients have been able to maintain their veneers for more than 20 years too. So if you are looking for good quality porcelain veneers that will last you really long, visit Dr. Lavoyger Gies at Gies Dental Clinic. It is a family and cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio that provides excellent cosmetic procedures to improve your smile. So go book an appointment if you are looking for a perfect aesthetic smile. Conclusion: The porcelain veneers are a revolutionary treatment. As you are growing older, your teeth can turn yellow and brittle. After the treatments, you can relive the embarrassing yellow smile. The white pair of teeth are the best features on every person’s smile. Are you currently facing these types of problems? Book the appointment for the treatments and enjoy the stain-free white smile. Read Also: Treating Open Wounds – Types, Treatments, and Complications Is Surgical Treatment the Best Option to Treat Essential Tremor? Do You Suffer from Varicose Veins? How to Know if You Need Treatment

Overcoming Procrastination And Achieving Success With A Life Coach

Procrastination is a widespread issue that can lead to increased stress, missed opportunities, and a decline in overall well-being. However, a life coach can help individuals overcome this issue and realize their potential. Often, procrastinators feel overwhelmed or indecisive when they encounter their long-held goals. The human brain is designed to process concrete ideas, making it challenging to start work promising future advantages. A life coach can help them recognize that procrastination is a natural response to fears of failure, perfectionism, and commitment. In the long run, procrastination can cost you heavily. It leads to missed opportunities and hinders positive life changes. However, a life coach can help you live a more fulfilling life by recognizing the reality behind procrastination. We shall dive deeper into the effects and psychological reasons behind procrastination and how a life coach can help you overcome it. What Is Procrastination? Procrastination is delaying or postponing tasks, which can often lead to negative consequences. It's a common tendency that most people resort to at some point in their lives. According to psychologist Joseph Ferrari, approximately 20% of U.S. adults are chronic procrastinators. Even the most well-organized and committed individuals can spend hours on trivial pursuits instead of work or school-related projects. This issue can affect job performance, grades, and, ultimately, one's quality of life. However, it's essential to note that procrastination is not a serious issue but rather a common tendency. Therefore, it's not a sign of a serious problem but rather a natural human tendency that most people experience. Psychological Implications Of Procrastination Procrastination is an outcome of deep-seated psychological issues. Given below are some of the psychological reasons why one tends to procrastinate— 1. Boredom If a task appears dull or unappealing, you will procrastinate and delay its completion until later. 2. Lack Of Belief When we tend to put off tasks, it could be due to a lack of confidence in our abilities. This is a vital component of our daily functioning. When our self-efficacy is low, it can impede us from initiating or finishing tasks. 3. Anxiety And Fear Procrastination can be caused by fear. We might delay important things like medical checkups or finishing projects due to social anxiety and fear of judgment. Managing our fears is vital to avoid negative consequences and stay on track with our responsibilities. 4. Distraction Social media and other distractions can hinder our ability to focus. Procrastination has always been challenging for humans, and technology has made it even more difficult. Overcoming distractions requires awareness and self-control. 5. Obsessing Over Perfection Striving for perfection can occasionally result in unproductive delays. Therefore, individuals hold off on tasks they fear they may not excel at or may fail. They may postpone tasks until they feel motivated or develop a superior idea. How Do Life Coaches Help You Overcome Procrastination? Given below are the different approaches implemented by life coaches to help clients overcome the problem of procrastination— 1. Creating A SMART Framework Creating a SMART framework is one approach life coaches use to help clients overcome procrastination. This involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. By breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting clear deadlines, clients are more likely to take action and avoid procrastination. Therefore, providing a structured plan helps you stay focused and motivated. 2. Using The Eisenhower Matrix Another approach employed by life coaches to address procrastination is utilizing the Eisenhower Matrix. It's a fantastic tool that can help you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. By categorizing your tasks into different quadrants, you can manage your time efficiently and focus on what really matters. Let me tell you more about it! By prioritizing tasks effectively, you can identify which ones need immediate attention, reducing the tendency to procrastinate. Therefore, it encourages you to tackle important tasks first and delegate or eliminate less important ones, increasing productivity and decreasing procrastination. 3. Using The Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro Technique is a method that involves breaking tasks into manageable intervals. These intervals are typically 25 minutes, called "pomodoros," followed by a short break. By working in focused bursts and rewarding oneself with breaks, you can maintain motivation and overcome the urge to procrastinate. Therefore, it helps you stay on track and complete tasks more efficiently, ultimately reducing the likelihood of procrastination. 4. Implementing The 5-Second Rule The 5-Second Rule involves taking immediate action within 5 seconds of having an impulse to do something. Furthermore, this technique can combat procrastination by training the brain to act quickly and prevent overthinking or hesitation. By implementing the 5-Second Rule, you can overcome the tendency to delay tasks and instead take immediate action. Therefore, it increases productivity and reduces procrastination. 5. Using Visualization Visualization is a powerful tool that can help combat procrastination. By imagining yourself completing a task or goal, you can increase motivation and reduce the likelihood of putting off tasks. Visualizing the desired outcome can create a sense of urgency and focus. Therefore, it makes it easier to stay on track and complete tasks efficiently. Incorporating visualization techniques into daily routines can help you overcome procrastination and increase productivity. 6. Helping With Positive Affirmation Positive affirmation is another effective strategy for reducing procrastination. Here, you must repeat positive statements to yourself, such as— "I am capable of completing tasks on time." "I can stay focused and productive." Therefore, it helps you boost your self-confidence and encourage a proactive mindset. This practice helps to counteract negative thoughts or self-doubt that often contribute to procrastination. Moreover, You can cultivate a more optimistic and determined attitude toward the work by consistently using positive affirmations. Therefore, it leads to increased motivation and a greater likelihood of completing tasks promptly. Find The Right Life Coach! Working with a life coach can be immensely beneficial for people who struggle with procrastination. Lif coaches help you set clear goals and provide support, guidance, and strategies to address underlying issues. Moreover, they help you empower and overcome procrastination to lead a more fulfilling life. Celebrating accomplishments and recognizing progress can also boost confidence. It reinforces positive behaviors, reducing the likelihood of falling back into old patterns. A life coach can help individuals cultivate essential skills and offer accountability. Therefore, it makes it easier for them to control their time and unleash their true potential. Partnering with an efficient life coach could be the first step if you want to make lasting positive changes. Read Also: Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With the Following Tricks 5 Ways College Students Can Minimize Back to School Stress Releasing Stress Even if You Don’t Leave Home

The Disturbing Trend of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions

Americans with a chronic medical condition know just how difficult it is to navigate the challenges of our healthcare system. These patients pay huge medical costs, experience a diminished quality of life and, in some cases, run the risk of developing even more chronic conditions. They also represent about half of the adult population in the United States. But as bleak as things are when you suffer from a single, long-lasting sickness, the challenges are compounded exponentially when you develop a second, third, or even more chronic conditions. This growing subset of patients - those suffering from two or more chronic conditions – now accounts for over one quarter of all Americans, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Most Common Medical Conditions Chronic conditions last for a year or more, require ongoing medical attention and often limit a person’s day-to-day activities. Chronic conditions include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, human immunodeficiency virus infection, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and obesity, to name only a few. Read also: An Overview of Schizophrenia 6 Imbalances in Body Hampering Weight Loss Efforts Other non-physical conditions can also fall into this category -- those like developmental disabilities, mental illness, and cognitive impairment. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse or substance addiction may cause more chronic conditions, or be considered chronic conditions themselves. Read More: Tackle Your Shredding This Family Day An Expensive and Common Problem About two-thirds of healthcare costs in the United States and over 90 percent of Medicare spending go toward people with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). In addition to the approximately 27 percent of Americans with MCC, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that around three-quarters of those over 65 have MCC. Many people with MCC have more than just two chronic conditions. Over seven percent of men and over 10 percent of women in the U.S. have five or more chronic medical conditions. With every additional condition, come steep rises in costs, treatments, doctor visits, and prescription medications, per the DHHS. When Riskier, Costlier, Less Effective Treatment is a Part of Life If you have MCC, or if you know someone who does, then you might already be familiar with the incredible challenges that come with having two or more serious illnesses. Insurance will be costlier, as will the out-of-pocket costs you pay. Of course, you’ll also be paying even more than those with a single chronic condition, because you will likely be seeing more doctors to receive the treatment you need. You will probably need to take several prescription medications for your medical conditions. It is the increased number of doctor visits to multiple doctors and the many medications needed for management of MCC that open patients up to inadequate healthcare. Patients with MCC rely heavily on specialists, and it is likely that a specialist who is treating a patient for one of their chronic illnesses won’t have the skills or training necessary to provide care that addresses the other chronic illnesses the patient suffers from. This leads to a disjointed, uncoordinated and costly system in which patients are more likely to suffer from medical error, receive conflicting medical advice and experience adverse drug reactions. Patients so often find that they are handed off from one doctor to another, with little to no oversight to coordinate the many treatments, tests, and medicines they take. Read More: Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement The Deficiency Before It’s Too Late Addressing the MCC Problem Reducing the direct and indirect costs to patients requires an ambitious rethinking of our approach to healthcare that addresses the unique needs of MCC patients. We need federal and state programs that engage patients to better coordinate their care and provide education to those suffering from several medical conditions. We need doctors that are better trained in handling a wide range of medical needs, as opposed to the specialization trend among doctors that have become the norm in the last several decades. Prevention is also key to lessening the number of MCC patients in the United States. This means education, raising awareness and public health initiatives that serve to stop the development of these illnesses before they start. Patients with MCC can easily get disillusioned with the obstacles they encounter when they enter the convoluted, expensive system that they depend on for treatment. The odds are good that many of you have first-hand experience with the failings of our current system in dealing with multiple, chronic medical conditions. Judging from the statistics, most of us will also encounter these shortcomings at some point in our lives. Mark Evans is a Missouri trial attorney and partner at the Bley & Evans law firm. Read More: The Relationship Between Oral Health And General Health Top 6 U.S. Universities That Offer Health Science Course Dore Aesthetics: Proven And Safe Acne Treatment