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Caregivers be aware of the following:
___1.) ESTIMATE THE SEVERITY. Everyone who uses alcohol, illicit drugs or misuses
prescription drugs is not necessarily an addict. Typically, those with a
more serious addiction will require professional help, including at times
detoxification. Addiction occurs in the more serious cases when a substance
abuser's alcohol or drug use becomes uncontrollable and use persists even in the
face of extremely negative consequences. In situations where the alcohol
or drug use appears to be experimental or recreational, than professional
resources may not be necessary.
___2.) EXPECT DENIAL. A caregiver can look forward to the
substance abuser and his/her family members to deny and to minimize the
seriousness of the substance abuse problem. The caregiver should use
personal judgment and rely on impressions to discern the true severity of the
problem. Caregivers should be cautious in believing
everything they hear.
___3.) IDENTIFY RESOURCES.
Look for friends or family members of the substance abuser that could serve as
support. Explore the substance abuser's willingness to have friends, family
members and others involved in his/her recovery process. Caregivers should
facilitate as much as possible a healthy support system for the substance
abuser. If the substance abuser is underage or his/her use is still a secret
from other responsible family members (e.g. parent or a spouse) facilitate
him/her in disclosing his/her use to them.
___4.)
STAY CALM AND COMPOSED. Caregivers should not appear shocked or surprised
by the information they might hear. Strange and immoral behavior are often associated with serious alcohol or other drug problems.
___5.) DO NOT MAKE THREATS. Caregivers should say and encourage others to say, only those
consequences to the substance abuser which they plan
to follow through with. Idle threats made in anger or distress usually make the
problem worse.
___6.) DO NOT LABEL. Caregivers should
not call the substance abuser "an alcoholic," "a drug addict," or
any other name. Typically, the substance abuser is best referred to as "an
individual with an alcohol or drug problem."
___7.)
REFER AS NEEDED. Remember most caregivers are
not trained mental health professionals. Consult with and refer to mental
health professionals and other support services as needed.
___8.)
CONTACT FAMILY MEMBERS. Plan to talk to significant family members of the
substance abuser. Make the first
interview with whoever is interested in attending. Usually it is best to briefly
share your concerns and then listen. Encourage them to talk. Proceed to Step #2. |
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