Should I try to help my loved one seek recovery?

If you can communicate in an understanding, compassionate, and empathetic manner, then you should try to help your loved one seek recovery. Research has shown that when family or friends get involved in helping a loved one struggling with substance use, there is a higher likelihood of a positive outcome. 

By providing support during this challenging time, you can significantly increase the odds of their recovery and help them maintain positive change. Maintaining change is the most important part of  the recovery process, and you can assist your loved one on this journey in the following ways:

Use Your Leverage

As a family member or friend, you will have the most impact on their life. Use this as leverage to influence them in a positive way. In many cases, family influence is the reason that people seek treatment. 

Be Supportive

You may worry that being kind and treating your loved one well will lead to codependency--a relationship pattern that means you give but get little back-- or feel you are enabling their destructive behavior. You can be supportive and care for your loved one without condoning their harmful acts or habits.

Encourage Positive Behavior

The process of helping a loved one seek recovery is challenging. You may find you're frustrated and end up considering a "tough love" approach. Unfortunately, this generally doesn't help the situation. 

Stay away from negative responses such as yelling and take an encouraging position that supports healing and non-using behavior.

Trying to help a loved one seek recovery is well worth the effort. With your help, they can improve the quality of their life.