Addict Manipulation

The recovery journey is not just for addicts. Loved ones suffer along with the addicts – especially when addicts try to manipulate them. Sometimes family and friends do not understand how their own traits contribute to their loved one’s addiction. Usually friends and family become emotionally involved. This is not the answer. It actually gives the addict manipulative powers.

Boundaries are a Must

Emotional, social, and physical boundaries need to be set in order to keep an addict in check. It may be hard at first, but it is worth it. Setting boundaries loosens emotional attachment. Without boundaries, you feed into the addict’s wants and requests.

When an addict tries to manipulate his or her loved ones, he or she cannot recognize it or see it. Boundaries are the key to doing this. That way, you can step back and see the real situation.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Considering your self-care is part of the boundaries you need to set. It will help take the stress off you and allow you to take your mind off your loved one’s addiction. Participate in activities that you enjoy. This will allow you to remove yourself from the situation and focus on yourself. You may think you are helping your addicted loved one, but you’re actually enabling them. Take care of yourself and try not to encourage the addict.

Tough Love

Practicing tough love is very difficult, but it needs to be done. Sometimes it may be the only option. In a lot of cases, addicts look for treatment when people are no longer willing to support their addictive ways. By talking about consequences, you are not hurting your addicted loved one, you are helping them. If they seek help because of you, you possibly will save their lives.

Becoming the rescuer for your loved one’s addiction is not the answer. Only they can choose to make the change. You should also discuss this with them to introduce the idea that change needs to happen if they want to be free of their addiction.

Exude Confidence

Confidence is key. Without it, you will be taken advantage of. Showing that you are confident in yourself and will not give in to your addicted loved one’s manipulation is important. Another benefit of confidence is that positivity is contagious. Positivity can encourage change.

Find Support

You are not fighting this battle alone. A lot of the time, the associated guilt is so overbearing that it makes loved ones hesitant to seek help. But again, this will not help the addict, this will only encourage the addict. Looking in to support groups to talk with others fighting a similar battle against manipulation of addiction will help.

Listening is also an important part of confronting a loved one about addiction. You may feel alone in your world of loving an addict, but you are not. Listen to them, but set boundaries. Practice self-care, encourage tough love, be confident, and find support. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, Drug Detox Centers Jersey City can help. Please call our caring recovery advocates today at (201) 492-6604.