Drug abuse has become a common problem worldwide. Almost 21 million Americans are addicted to one substance. Out of this number, only 10 percent receive treatment. According to addiction center statistics, every year, alcohol is the cause of 5.3% of deaths. This is 1 in every 20 deaths globally.
This indicates that everyone is directly or indirectly affected by addiction. At some stages of life, whether you are a parent, a sibling, a friend, a workmate, or a partner. You will meet people close to you who are struggling with addiction. Undergoing addiction treatment is not easy, always support those that have decided to fight it. Fighting addiction needs determination and support, and committing to the recovery procedure is one of the first stages of recovery. An addict who is serious about recovery will show some signs of wanting to do away with addiction. As a person close to them, it is vital to understand the signs that show they are serious about recovery to show them support. Here are some signs that will help you tell if an addict is serious about recovery.
Change in Attitude
Addicts show specific attitudes like being defensive, that when they suddenly change them, it could be a good sign.
Here are some changes in attitude that could be a good sign that they are serious about recovering.
1. Develops a non-defensive attitude even when questioned
Addicts are always on “defense mode” for any threat around them. They always try to prove they are sober, even when they are not.
They will always try to stop any questions coming their way on their recovery condition.
When an addict stops being defensive and welcomes any question about their health, it is a good sign that they are serious about recovery
2. Argues to solve a problem and not to prove he is right
Most addicts try to prove they are right when arguing. When they drop this and welcomes views from others, it shows they are moving towards recovery. Although the arguments will not end, there will be changes in how and why they are arguing. The nature of their arguments starts revolving around finding solutions and focussing on essential issues.
3. Honesty
Most addicts do not like talking about their situation. Shame fills them, and they become secretive about what happened.
An addict who is serious about recovery will become willing to talk about himself. It includes the past activities they have engaged in, like putting others in danger. Talking openly will provide more room to advise and support them
4. Responsibility
An addict who is serious about his recovery will stop justifying his bad behavior. He starts viewing the addiction and the recovery process in a different way. The addict will begin owning his actions and do away with excuses.
Change in Communication Style
Gaslighting and lying are part of the daily life of an addict. When you notice these changes in their communication, they may be on their way to recovery.
1. They stop/ reduce lying
Addiction involves keeping secrets and lying. These two keeps the addiction alive. When an addict feels confronted, he will hide behind the truth and tell lies all through, to anyone.
They believe the lies protect them from shame.
It is a toxic and dangerous tactic that affects their relationship. When an addict stops lying, or you notice they have reduced the rate of telling lies, then they are serious about recovering.
2. They stop gaslighting
This is a tactic the addicts use to keep the focus off them by convincing the concerned people around them that they are insane for thinking they are suffering from addiction. When you notice than an addict has given up on gaslighting, then know that he is moving towards recovery.
3. Change in communication skills
Telling a difference in an addict’s communication style can help you know whether they are giving their all to recover from addiction. As they improve their ability to listen and give others a chance to air their views, their communication will change
4. Does not hide his feelings
An addict who really wants to recover will understand his feelings and get in touch with his emotional state. He will not try to hide how he feels and will openly show their feelings.
5. Takes some words out of his vocabulary
Abusive and “unsieved” words. They are normally used by addicts. Negative words that do not show any kind of apology are now being replaced by polite words. The new language used in his communication becomes better and friendly
You Notice Their Efforts
When it comes to fighting addiction, a serious addict will not just do it with words. You will notice them taking some actions to help them recover.
Recovering from addiction starts with a decision, which is hard to make. The decision id followed by effort.
If you notice the following actions, just know that the addict is putting on serious efforts towards their recovery.
- They attend recovery meetings
- Attends counseling sessions
- Puts efforts to attend group therapies
- Doing the “homework” for recovery. Completing different recovery assignments
- Has an accountability partner to talk to each time.
- Words and actions are the same. What they promise is what they do.
- They make their recovery a priority
Starts Connecting With Others
When an addict starts connecting with friends and family, it shows that they are done with isolation and are determined to reach full recovery.
These signs will show you that an addict is serious about his recovery:
1. Surrounds himself with safe friends
When an addict is fighting for their recovery, they develop new friendships based on truth and honesty.
2. Cuts out contacts that do not promote his recovery
A serious recovery contender will cut off irrelevant friendships that do not foster recovery. He notices that some friendships are not healthy and cuts them off completely.
3. Repairs the damaged relationships as a result of addiction
There is always an inner push and guilt that an addict who is recovering has. It pushes them to set things right. You will notice them trying to restore their lost friendships by apologizing to the victims. This shows that they are trying to prove that they have changed and have a new life.
Ways to Show Recovery Support for an addict
Now that you have known that the addict is serious and putting on genuine efforts towards his recovery, you need to show them support.
Whether it is a close family member, a friend, or a workmate, they will need you in their way to full recovery.
Here are some ways on how you can support an addict to full recovery.
1. Treat them as Humans
The trust between the two of you might have been broken and you feel betrayed due to their addiction. You feel disappointed and disgusted. If it’s your partner, you may have felt heartbroken and confused. Hold on. The good signs of recovery are in the air.
Stop treating them as an outcast. Instead, bring back the communication! Listen to them and understand them. They will feel accepted back and even put more effort into their recovery.
2. Understand that Recovery Support is A life Process
Understanding that the recovery process takes time and may have ups and downs will help you stand by their side when they need it. Not everyone has a steady recovery path. In fact, many have setbacks- whether it is a relapse or a stressful stage in life. As time passes by in sobriety, the possibilities for relapse drops. However, it should not be taken as a failure.
3. Be Polite and Friendly
Now is not the time to nag or lecture the recovering addict. Do not even criticize them on what they should have done. They may not be telling you how sorry they are, but they really are.
Their decision of undergoing treatment should tell it all. They have owned their mistakes and want to be better by doing away with the addiction.
- How to Tell When a Drug Addict is Lying - August 14, 2020
- How To Tell If An Addict Is Serious About Recovery - August 13, 2020