Back to top

Addiction

Member Content Rating: 
5
Your rating: None Average: 5 (10 votes)

Addiction. There I said it; the A word. It's no secret that it exists and robs families of their loved ones, be it through poor priorities, withdrawal or, in some worst case scenarios even death. According to the Health Officers Council of British Columbia 47,000 deaths annually in Canada are linked to substance abuse. I myself have two extremely close family members who are personally dealing with addiction. While I am obviously not happy about this, what can be done?

I believe community education and awareness is key and the social stigma of admitting there is a problem need no longer apply. Yet despite education and awareness there is still a problem. So how do we get helpfor our loved ones or those we may be concerned about?

Largely this heavy responsibility lies with the addicted individual themselves. We cannot make anyone do anything they are not prepared to do for themselves. Oftentimes the addiction itself has developed as a way for the individual to escape a painful reality, be it physical, emotional or even psychological. When an addicted person does decide to get help and stop using there may be a lot of fear and feelings of guilt associated with this. This is why it is imperative that there is a support system available to those struggling with addiction.

This can be difficult for those close to someone actively using, as family members and friends closest to the individual may disassociate to some extent as the pain and reality of the situation may be too much to bear. Other friends and family members may not bring up their concerns out of respect or they might not even be aware of the seriousness of the problem at hand.

This is why I urge anyone with a loved one who is actively using, to reach out and get help and support for themselves. Educate yourself on what help is available for you and your family members . If you are in a place in your life where you can share your personal experiences or stories then please do so.

As as hard as it may be to share with others I believe it is crucial in the hopes that someone else might be inspired or prompted to get the help they need. While I don't have all the answers or solutions I do strongly believe and know that addiction is not something to be taken lightly nor should those affected by it feel any shame. 

The best advice I can give to family members and friends is to take good care of yourself. Make it a priority to live a balanced, healthy, functioning life as much as humanely possible. You will need strength to be an example to those suffering and to be able to step up and help when the time comes. Secondly, get involved, obtain information and resources so you know what the options are. There is hope and we can all make a difference. 

Dont shut down, don't give up and most importantly, reach out: help is available.

If you yourself reading this are struggling, then please pick up the phone, talk to someone or at the very least make a conscious decision to get help.

I care.