Admitting you have a drug problem can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. For some people, fear and denial keep them sick in their addiction for years. They don’t want to admit that they have a problem. There is a stigma around addiction, therefore fear plays a part in admitting it, but everyone struggles with something. Admitting you have an issue with drugs doesn’t make you a weak or terrible person. It makes you a human being; nobody is perfect. Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous states “We admitted we were powerless over drugs or alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.” Once you admit you have a problem, you can start the road to recovery. Part of starting your recovery may include telling your loved ones you are struggling. So how do you tell someone you love to have a problem? 
#1 Be Honest With Them
When telling someone you love you to have a problem with drugs or alcohol, be completely honest with them from the beginning. Tell them your story, and why you feel like you started using it in the first place. Let them know you are ready to stop, that you want help, and that you need their support. Having a supportive family is going to be a very important part of your recovery process. If they seem shocked or discouraged at first, be patient and give them time to digest what you’ve just told them. Most people will usually come around and be willing to do anything to help you get through this.
#2 Educate Them On Addiction
Let them know that addiction is a disease. You can educate them, and also point them to some resources where they can read about it. For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has some great information about the disease of addiction. Tell them that the National Institute on Drug Abuse “Understanding Drug Use and Addiction Drug Facts” states:
Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. (NIDA)
Be sure to explain that drugs eventually change the way the brain works, but that addiction is a treatable disease, just like diabetes, for example.
#3 Ask Them For Support and Understand
Again let them know that you know you have a problem and are ready to get treatment; ask them for their support. Let them know that you can’t do this alone and don’t want to; you need their help. They will help you get through this! Don’t ever be ashamed or afraid to ask someone that loves you for help. Your life is at stake here!
#4 Evoke Wellness at Miramar Has Specialists Ready to Help with One Phone Call
Evoke Wellness at Miramaroffers cutting-edge addiction treatment. Our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. We offer a safe environment and treat our clients with respect. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we specialize in ensuring our patients have the most comfortable detox process possible. You no longer have to continue to suffer out of fear. So give us a call today.
