What happens when an individual’s family members or loved ones find evidence of their drug use? What can family members or loved ones do when they find this evidence?
Making a Plan
When one finds evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, the thing to do is make a long term plan. Such a plan must go beyond the day to day reactivity of life, especially when dealing with an individual who is struggling with drug use. Needless to say this is a challenging situation to be in. So what can one do next? Here are 4 steps one can take:
- Keep the information to yourself. This won’t be easy to do. Chances are one will want to confront the individual, but at this stage, it is essential to not mention it. Instead, take a photo of the evidence, and hold on to it.
- The next time one sees the individual, one can ask oneself whether the individual is using at that moment or not? In fact, this is the question one will want to ask every time one sees the individual with an addiction. But it can be difficult to tell whether someone is using drugs or not. The signs can be subtle. So what does one focus on? It can help to start with how the individual looks, if the person avoids eye contact or is experiencing a change in energy levels.
- Once one has determined the above, how one acts is within one’s own control. It can change the immediate environment surrounding the individual and can influence their relationship with the drug.
- Finally, don’t ask the individual if they’re using drugs. The individual will either just deny any drug or alcohol abuse, or will defend their use. They will start feeling cornered, and that’s not the aim.
Changing Own Behavior
The individual may be used to their family members or loved ones always being there for them, no matter what. But if one starts keeping the distance when suspecting that the individual is using or high or hungover, one creates a small shift in the dynamic. The individual will soon realise that their family and loved ones aren’t around as much and it may begin to change their attitude.
While disengaging from the individual might be a small step, and not a radical change, it’s an important move towards un-blocking the situation. It also means that one is not ignoring the warning signs of the drug use any longer.
Do you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction? We can help you with resources and treatment options. Call The Villa for more information.