How to Help Someone Overcome Addiction in Illinois

Published on: 17 May 2022 Last Updated on: 13 May 2023

It’s never easy watching someone you care about go through something like addiction.

Many times, people in this situation watch the person they care about to deteriorate and become a different person.

If you think your loved one is addicted but you’re not sure, be on the lookout for these warning signs.

Their behavior has changed. You notice them becoming more withdrawn, angry, combative, or abusive towards you.
You notice them becoming obsessive
They’re hiding things from you. Maybe you found needles or empty vodka bottles under their bed or in their bathroom
They’ve come home bruised or beaten up but won’t tell you what happened
They aren’t sleep
They slur their words
They’re losing weight or their outward appearance has changed for the worse.

If your loved one shows any of these signs, there’s a good chance they might be addicted. If you’re watching someone you love spiral into addiction, there are ways you can help to overcome addiction. Here’s how.

6 Ways To Someone You Know Overcome Addiction In Illinois

1. Call your local rehab center

Places like Lincoln Recovery or your local hospital are a great resource for you to tap into. They’ll be able to help you determine the best treatment options for your loved one without making you or them feel ashamed. They’ll be able to give you advice and tools. They can also help you plan something called an intervention.

An intervention is when family and friends of the addict’s life come together to make their loved one understand that they need help. Interventions must be planned so they don’t cause more problems. While it’s going to be awkward and uncomfortable, an intervention that’s done right can gently push your loved one on the path to recovery.

2. Establish trust

This is a huge thing. Often trust is broken between addicts and the people they love the most, and while it may be difficult to achieve, getting them to trust you is so important. Otherwise and intervention won’t work properly.

To start building trust with an addict, you have to learn not to nag, yell, exaggerate, lecture, or engage in any substances they’re addicted to. Asking them to stop drinking when they see you drinking, even if it’s only a small glass of wine at night, can make them defensive.

Trust will also help prevent stress. If they trust you more, they’ll be less stressed and feel more comfortable opening up to you about their addiction. Most addicts know they have a problem deep down, they just don’t want to admit it out loud and make it real. Don’t do anything that will keep them from opening up to you about it.

Watch their body language to help you determine if your attempts at trust-building are working. If you notice them growing stiff or becoming agitated pull back and try again another time.

3. Never blame

Even if the person who’s addicted made you lose money, your reputation, etc. do not try to blame them for it. While they need to take responsibility for their behavior, blaming them for things while they’re addicted will get you nowhere. It will only make them more resistant to change, defensive, and closed off.

Speak in the first person, only about how you feel or what you think. Whenever you talk to them about their addiction, use “I” statements. “You” statements can come across as blameful and can do the opposite of what you hope to achieve in the conversation.

Avoid insults and negativity at all costs because that is the blameful language that will make them defensive. For more information on using “I” statements, click here.

4. Always practice empathy

You see how dangerous it is to blame the addict in any way, either for their addiction or their behavior. Leading with empathy, whether your staging an intervention or not, can help the addict feel more comfortable and open up.

Tell them that you understand they’re hurting, and while you don’t know what they’re going through firsthand, you’re there to help in any way you can. You want to be a part of the solution.

Offer assistance in any way you can. By doing this, you might find that the person has been waiting for someone to talk to them about it but has been too afraid to bring it up themselves.

5. Prepare for backlash

What you have to understand is that addiction affects the chemical balance of the brain. This can make them delusional, combative, or standoffish. They may outright refuse to admit they’re addicted to anything and if they do, they might turn the blame on you.

Addicts try to get out of responsibility, and taking responsibility for their addiction is another thing they’re going to try to dance around. Prepare for harsh words, yelling, and threats. Stay calm and listen to everything they have to say.

Don’t engage in yelling or screaming or try to push the blame back on them. It will only make the situation worse. If you feel like you’re in danger, remove yourself from the situation or call the police.

6. Stop enabling

If you’re allowing the person you love to do drugs in your house or get drunk in your house, stop. Tell them that they aren’t allowed to do that in your home anymore and if they refuse, ask them to leave. It sounds harsh, but they have to learn that there are consequences to their actions.

Stop buying them their substance of choice. Practice sobriety yourself so you don’t have alcohol or drugs lying around the house for them to consume. If they frequently borrow your car, remove car privileges so they can’t drive under the influence. Refuse to give them cash. If they say they need a few bucks for food, buy them actual food or not at all. But never give them cash or cards that they can use to purchase drugs or alcohol.

While this might seem like you’re not leading with empathy, you are. You don’t have to be mean about doing any of these things. You can simply say, “I don’t want you driving my car under the influence, it’s not safe.” Or “I can’t give you cash, but I can buy you food, water, groceries,” if that’s what you want to do. Just avoid putting the blame or accusing them of anything.

To learn the difference between helping and enabling, follow the link. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-stop-enabling-an-alcoholic-63083

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

Benefits Of Early Detection And Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is notorious for its impact on memory and cognitive functions. As the population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's is expected to rise, making its early detection and treatment increasingly important. This article delves into the critical benefits of early intervention in Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing how early diagnosis and management can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected and their caregivers. Early Detection: A Pathway to Better Outcomes Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for a more accurate diagnosis, distinguishing Alzheimer's from other forms of dementia and conditions with similar symptoms. Timely diagnosis is crucial for planning and managing the disease effectively. The Alzheimer's Association, alzinfo.org, offers comprehensive resources and support to individuals and families navigating an Alzheimer's diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Furthermore, early detection opens the door to treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, certain medications and therapies are more effective when administered early in the disease's course. These treatments can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong independence. The Role of Lifestyle and Support Systems Upon early detection, individuals can also make lifestyle changes that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement have been shown to have positive effects on brain health. Early intervention allows individuals more time to adopt these beneficial habits. Moreover, early diagnosis provides an opportunity for patients and their families to build robust support systems. This includes connecting with healthcare professionals, joining support groups, and planning for future care needs. Early involvement in such networks can greatly reduce the emotional and financial strain often associated with later stages of the disease. Advancements in Research and Treatment Options The early detection of Alzheimer's is also crucial for research. Participants in the early stages of the disease are invaluable for clinical trials, helping scientists to understand the disease better and develop new treatments. This research not only benefits current patients but also has the potential to impact future generations. In addition, early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to prescribe the most up-to-date treatments. As research progresses, new medications and therapies become available, offering hope and improved outcomes for those diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Planning for the Future with Early Detection An early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease enables individuals and their families to plan for the future. This includes legal and financial planning, discussing care preferences, and making arrangements for long-term care if needed. These preparations can be less overwhelming when done early, providing peace of mind for everyone involved. This planning also allows for more meaningful engagement with loved ones. With an early diagnosis, families have more time to create lasting memories, communicate openly about the illness, and cherish their time together. Embracing a Life with Dignity Ultimately, the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease are about preserving dignity and quality of life. With early intervention, individuals can maintain their independence for longer and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. It also provides a valuable opportunity for loved ones to understand the disease better and learn how to provide the most effective support. In conclusion, the benefits of early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease cannot be overstated. It paves the way for better management of symptoms, slows disease progression, and allows for more meaningful engagement in life's activities. As we continue to understand Alzheimer's better, the importance of early intervention becomes ever clearer. It offers a beacon of hope, guiding patients and their families toward a path of empowerment and resilience in the face of this challenging disease. Read Also: Senior Friendly Exercise Routines: An Ultimate Guide To Enhance Quality Of Life Discover The Transformative Power Of Treadmill Ownership: Beyond Exercise Sunshine And Games: 5 Outdoor Activities For Family Fun

Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?

Cocaine and heroin are among the most potent and extensively used illicit drugs in the world with deeply addictive and destructive potential. When we think of these drugs, we usually think of individuals having either cocaine or heroin addiction, whereas in reality the practice of taking more than one substance at the same time - known as polydrug use - is on the rise. Individuals typically start polydrug use by combining substances to enhance the effects of one or both of them. A very common combination of drugs in polydrug use is cocaine and heroin and in fact, the practice has become so widespread that it now has its own street name: "speedballing." When speedballing, polydrug users take heroin to extend and enhance cocaine’s short-term effects to avoid the crashing come down, essentially by replacing it with opiate-induced euphoria. The Health Risks of Speed Balling with Cocaine and Heroin: Although the effects of speedballing are extremely pleasurable and compelling to users, it is incredibly dangerous. Both heroin and cocaine have significant health risks separately but when used in combination and injected at the same time, these risks are heightened considerably. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and depending on the US state studied, around 36.9% to 98.9% of heroin-related deaths involve other substances. There are few activities in life that have the potential to be more deadly than speedballing and yet it is now a significant issue. Young people experimenting with substances are increasingly being encouraged to participate in speedballing without being fully aware of the risks. Let’s take a look at the differences between cocaine and heroin when used on their own: Heroin: Heroin is made from an extract of the opium poppy and it has been used for hundreds of years as pain relief for significant trauma. The way heroin works are by flooding the brain with euphoria-creating dopamine so as to “trick” the mind into ignoring pain signals from other parts of the body. The euphoria created by heroin is considered the reason it is highly addictive, as it immobilizes the body in the most pleasant way so that the only thing a user can do is lay back and enjoy the feeling. One of the most common ways people develop heroin addiction is by becoming tolerant to its effects, which can happen very quickly after they start using the drug. When the euphoria they seek starts to wane when taking their usual amount of the drug, they will simply up the dose. After a very short while of this addictive behavior, the body will start to develop cravings for heroin every time the user comes down from their high. Some of the withdrawal symptoms emerging if cravings for heroin are not satisfied can be extremely unpleasant and so more of the drug is needed to make them go away. Cocaine: The kind of high cocaine creates depends on the way it’s taken, which is generally by snorting or injecting. The effects of cocaine are generally short-term, lasting around 40 minutes and they are quite opposite to those of heroin. Cocaine is a stimulant that makes users feel a rush of energy, often making them the life and soul of the party. Whereas heroin immobilizes, cocaine stimulates and while on a high from the drug, users tend to talk at a fast pace, enjoying everything around them in an animated way. Cocaine is equally as addictive as heroin although it has a very different kind of appeal. Some people become socially dependent on the drug before going on to developing an addiction, using cocaine as a prop to boost confidence. However, as with heroin, cocaine has a negative impact on the brain's function, which can introduce extra challenges for people seeking to overcome cocaine addiction in heroin and cocaine addiction treatment. The risks caused by speedballing with cocaine and heroin include the following: Whereas heroin stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, cocaine prevents them from being reabsorbed naturally. This eventually erodes an individual’s ability to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life unless substance abuse is involved. Cocaine is the only drug with the potential to hyper-stimulate the body to the point where the user suffers a stroke. When used in combination in heroin, it is not possible to detect that this is happening and there is a risk of suffering a stroke without any warning and possible death. The effects of cocaine do not last for as long as heroin and so speedballers tend to use more cocaine to prolong their high. This is incredibly dangerous and places the individual at risk of a fatal heart attack. Heroin has a powerful effect on the central nervous system, slowing down its functions when a person is under influence including the heartbeat and breathing. If there is not enough oxygen reaching the brain because a person’s breathing has become shallow after taking heroin, there is a high risk of brain damage or death. Because cocaine is a stimulant, it reduces some of the effects of heroin if taken at the same time. This can mask the warning signs of heroin overdose which include: confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, body limpness, and unconsciousness. Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Treatment for Speed Balling: Addiction is an illness that can be treated so that individuals can move on from substance abuse and enjoy a life in sobriety. Although challenging, the path through detox, rehab, and recovery on a cocaine or heroin addiction treatment program introduces individuals to a world outside of substance use, motivating them to make the necessary changes to overcome their illness. Because of the potency of heroin and cocaine independently, people speedballing face significantly more risks from substance abuse than those abusing one type of drug. The effects on a person's personality, behavior, and psychological state can be extended with both substances which is why holistic therapies such as those offered at the best heroin and cocaine addiction treatment centers are now commonly available as a cocaine and heroin addiction treatment approach. Through learning skills such as meditation and yoga or becoming physically fit through a structured exercise regime, individuals can move on from the difficulties in their lives cause by heroin and cocaine addiction. Read Also: How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips To Find The Best Rehabilitation Center

Ways Upper Cervical Treatment Can Transform Your Health And Wellness

Sitting for long hours at your desk during the workday, do you feel a nagging discomfort in your upper back and neck? Thus, upper back and neck pain can happen to anyone, and it can be debilitating. Moreover, you can experience chronic pain in several different ways, depending on the root cause. There is one way you can resolve the issue, and that is through undergoing chiropractic treatment. Cervical chiropractic treatment is an effective alternative to traditional medicine and is increasingly seen as a natural procedure for resolving spine-related issues. In this article, you will discover different ways upper cervical treatment can transform your wellness and health. What Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment? Chiropractic care is a treatment approach that includes manual manipulation of the spines. Some trained healthcare professionals or chiropractors use special tools or their hands to offer treatment. Thus, the main goal of spinal adjustment is to relieve pain and enhance mobility. Here is what you can expect during a visit for cervical chiropractic treatment: Consultation services. Physical examination. Imaging through X-rays and other visual aids. Adjustment. Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment Work? The upper cervical chiropractic treatment can greatly enhance your health by aligning the upper cervical spine. Similarly, when your upper cervical spine is out of alignment, you can suffer from an array of complications, some of which are: Neck pain. Sleep disturbance. High blood pressure. Fibromyalgia and fatigue. Back pain. Autoimmune disease. Sinus congestion. Blackouts. Brain fog. Seizures. Congestion and ear infections. Upper cervical chiropractic care might increase the blood flow to the brain, which is one reason treatment can assist patients effectively. Moreover, you can combine holistic chiropractic with conventional medicine practices as well. Ways Upper Cervical Treatment Can Transform Your Health There are times when chiropractic will help you treat your back pain. However, as per recent studies, various health issues can be treated effectively. This is because of the positive chiropractic approach to the entire body. So, are you looking for a holistic and natural approach to improve your overall well-being? Here is a list of ways upper cervical treatment can help you treat your health and boost your well-being. 1. Better Neck And Back Health One of the prevalent benefits of chiropractic treatment is that it heals neck and back pain. However, the traditional spinal alignment is significant for improving mobility and treating pain. Thus, your spine aligns with the back and neck, and you will experience decreased tension, reduced pain, better posture, and central nervous system functions. However, when the central nervous system functions as it should, you will experience an improvement in overall health, and the body functions better. 2. Effective Pain Management The involvement of chiropractic treatment caters to the effective functioning of the central nervous system, which leads to better pain management. Thus, chiropractic is an effective treatment procedure for people who are suffering from injuries, migraines, fibromyalgia, and pain caused by other conditions. Similarly, when the spine is not aligned correctly, it can affect different nerves. This can further lead to critical conditions like sciatica. Bringing the spine to its right position will help you relieve the compression of nerves and alleviate pain. However, chiropractic is used regularly to heal sport-related injuries for pro athletes, weekend warriors, and everyone in between. 3. Stronger Immune System It is true that regular chiropractic treatment leads to a better immune system. When your spine is properly aligned, the central nervous system can function much more efficiently and effectively. This is the reason why the body is better able to receive effective messages from the brain. Similarly, when the spine is out of alignment, the information sent and retrieved by the central nervous system cannot complete its path as it should. Furthermore, the organs and other functioning units are not operating as they should be. Hence, this might translate to a better functioning immune system, leading to a better health condition. 4. Improved Activity Pain management is a part of this, but regular treatment further assists flexibility and mobility. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of injury, allowing them to be more active. When you are mobile, you are better able to stay active. This means it is easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle when exercising constantly. Therefore, as we age, we tend to lose our flexibility. Thus, starting chiropractic care early is essential. On the other hand, even older individuals have experienced effective results from chiropractic care. Furthermore, chiropractic care effectively offers a great boost to your overall wellness and health. When you make it a part of your regular regime, you will likely experience fewer sick days and a greater ability to move more. 5. Gentle Adjustment Many people associate chiropractic care with back cracks and uncomfortable adjustment. However, the chiropractic care wellness center offers gentle and subtle treatment procedures for those looking for upper cervical treatment. The professionals believe in providing a patient-centered approach that addresses the main reasons rather than merely treating symptoms. Some people experience light pressure as they are already undergoing the procedure. Hence, you will be surprised by sudden twists and other movements. Similarly, if you undergo treatment from the wellness center, you do not have to worry about experiencing discomfort and pain during your treatment. 6. Improved Balance And Posture Misalignment in the upper spine can affect the entire body, causing pain issues and poor balance postures. Thus, rectifying the misalignment with a gentle approach can assist in aching symptoms and restore balance and proper posture in the body. Similarly, even slight misalignment can affect chronic symptoms, and correcting them can reduce them, improving the quality of life. Consider Chiropractic Treatment Today However, if you are under the treatment of a chiropractic healthcare professional, few risks are involved. Therefore, select a wellness center or a NUCCA-registered chiropractor professional, as there are professionals offering treatment. Thus, take control of your health today and experience the transformative benefit of specific upper cervical chiropractic care. Schedule your appointment with the skilled team and start your journey towards better wellness, improved blood pressure, and a better life. Read Also: The miraculous benefits of Aqua Yoga Life with Braces: Tips from Surrey’s Orthodontic Experts OpenAI Hires Back Sam Altman, The Previous CEO After Employees Rebels

How to Help Someone Overcome Addiction in Illinois