Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing
1. Educate Yourself About Addiction
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- Learn the science: Understand that addiction is a symptom of something much deeper and there treatments that can help heal emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually
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- Recognize the signs: Familiarize yourself with symptoms of addiction and relapse behaviors: mood swings, anger, isolation, withdrawn, weight loss, detachment
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- Seek resources: Books, workshops, and support groups (like Nar-Anon, Celebrate Recovery, Stop Hiding Start Healing) can provide valuable insights.
2. Foster Open Communication
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- Be supportive, not judgmental: Create a safe space for honest conversations.
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- Listen actively: Let them express their feelings without interrupting or blaming.
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- Set boundaries: Be clear about acceptable behaviors while maintaining compassion. Share these with the individual. Think logically not emotionally.
3. Encourage Professional Help
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- Explore treatment options: Research rehab programs, therapy, inpatient or outpatient services.
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- Work with experts: A recovery coach, counselor or addiction specialist can guide both the individual and the family.
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- Support their recovery plan: Encourage attendance at 12-step meetings such as Celebrate Recovery, therapy, or other structured recovery activities.
4. Avoid Enabling Behaviors
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- Don’t shield them from consequences: Allow them to face the outcomes of their actions. They must be allowed to feel the pain.
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- Avoid providing money: Financial support can unintentionally fund their addiction.
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- Say NO! when needed: Be firm but loving to prevent enabling.
5. Focus on Healthy Boundaries
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- Define your limits: Decide what behaviors you will and won’t tolerate. Write them down and share with the individual
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- Protect your emotional health: Prioritize self-care and avoid burnout. Know your limitations. You do not have the capacity or power to change the person.
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- Stay consistent: Follow through with consequences if boundaries are crossed. This is extremely important.
6. Build a Support Network
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- Join support groups: Engage with others who understand your situation. Search for a Celebrate Recovery meeting in your area.
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- Lean on family and friends: Share your struggles with trusted loved ones. Trusted loved ones. People who are safe and can be trusted.
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- Seek therapy: Professional guidance can help you navigate your emotions.
7. Be Patient and Realistic
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- Recovery is a process: Expect setbacks and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
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- Separate the person from the addiction: Love your family member but hold them accountable for their actions. They already feel like a failure and feel pain and shame.
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- Practice forgiveness: Let go of past resentments for healing to occur.
8. Promote a Healthy Environment
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- Remove triggers: Keep substances out of the home.
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- Encourage positive activities: Support hobbies, exercise, or other healthy outlets.
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- Model healthy behaviors: Your actions can inspire and encourage recovery.
9. Stay Hopeful
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- Believe in change: Recovery is possible, even if it takes time. Miracles can happen.
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- Celebrate milestones: Recognize and reward their progress.
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- Stay connected: Let them know they’re loved and valued, even during tough times.
Would you like to expand on any of these guidelines or customize them further for a specific audience?