Catch 22: How Addiction Can Create a Devastating Dilemma for Family
Submitted by admin on Wed, 08/11/2010 - 12:56
If someone you love received a diagnosis of cancer or another potentially terminal illness, you would do everything in your power to help them fight to survive – like drive them to appointments, cook their meals, and even take a second job to pay their medical bills. But the cruel reality of addiction is that this normal, loving response often contributes to the problem. Unlike most other medical conditions or complicating life situations (like loss of a job), addiction thrives on the good intentions of the addict’s family and friends. But recognizing that your actions are enabling an addiction to continue is easier than changing your response. Why?
Why do families choose addiction over a drug intervention or alcohol intervention?
Families enable addicts because the potential consequences are more frightening than the current situation, however bad it may be. Too often, family and friends weigh the risks of withdrawing support, and they imagine their loved one struggling to survive on the street – or worse. The knowledge that they would have been (indirectly) responsible for causing their loved one more pain is too much to bear; and so the cycle continues.
Is it time for a crisis intervention?
Despite heartfelt pleas, the addict or alcoholic has openly refused or put off treatment. If you are tired of feeling helpless and choosing what you perceive to be the lesser evil by enabling the addict, you should consider speaking with an interventionist. From questions about finding a rehab, what happens during detox, or what the process involves, having a professional on your side can have many advantages. A number of specialized interventions like Christian interventions are available, so even if your situation is unique, there is likely a good match for it. Although there are few situations in which you can legally force someone to go to treatment, do not underestimate the power of tough love in persuading an addict to get the help that they need.
