Answer by Sheryl Rahme

If your loved one is in denial, it is very difficult to break through it on your own. There is much emotional history and probably many unhealthy coping skills within the family and it often needs an addiction professional intervention. This intervention however does not mean that you confront the chemically dependent person. It means that the family needs to learn new coping skills and the family needs to take the necessary time to learn more about addiction, heal and make healthy changes in their own behaviour so that the family is part of the active process that brings the addict’s bottom up to meet them, rather than waiting for them to fall towards their own rock bottom.

C.H.A.N.G.E.S. Addiction Recovery Centre suggestions to treating a loved one who is dependent on substances.

1. Always present a united front.
2. Never ever make an idol threat or promise.
3. Always follow through on everything you say. If you cannot follow through, do not say anything.
4. Allow your loved one to face consequences and stop protecting them.
5. Learn how to take responsibility for your own problems or situations.
6. Stop blaming!
7. Less is more.
8. The opposite of everything is true. Change behaviour of yours that’s not working.
9. Stop talking and learn how to act differently in a non abusive non enabling way.
10. Learn to delay gratification.
11. Learn how to be honest in all your affairs.
12. Get help. Find an addiction counsellor and/or support group and learn everything you need to know about addiction.