Helping An Addicted Loved One

Описание: Sian discusses whether or not our coping styles can help an addicted loved one.

There is some evidence to suggest that this is the case - as from the UKATT trial (the United Kingdom Alcohol Treatment Trial). This trial compared the efficacy of a therapy called Social Behavioural Network Therapy as against Motivational Enhancement Therapy. Neither therapy ‘won’ - both led to reductions in the patient’s use of alcohol. But the trial did signpost the crucial impact that family, friends and networks supportive of recovery can have on a person with a problem with drugs or alcohol.

Sian unfolds three coping styles the therapy describes - withdrawn, tolerant, engaged.

Withdrawn refers to a complete rejection of involvement with the situation and the person with the problem. Many people find themselves adopting this stance as a protective measure.

Tolerant coping represents the other end of the spectrum - giving time, money and support to the person with the drug problem without conditions.

Engaged coping refers to the ability to remain present for the person affected in a useful and supportive way, while removing any supports for the addicted behaviour itself.

It can be an aspirational ideal, but engaged coping can offer concerned others a useful paradigm that allows them to care for themselves while remaining in the lives of their addicted loved one.

There is no one-size-fits-all guideline for dealing with this situation, but at the very least, having thought your strategy through in terms of coping style means that you have the chance to choose your response, rather than just react.