Substance Abuse: A Community Concern by Danielle Smith-Acker

It is no secret that addiction sucks. Seeing a loved one, friend, or even you being stuck to a drug, habit, or alcohol can be so challenging to deal with. It impacts a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. If you’re the addict, the judgmental looks, comments, mean jokes, and treatment you receive can be intense and outright mean. On the other hand, if you know someone using it, it is frustrating, hurtful, and hard to watch. No matter what side of the coin you are on, simply put, addiction is challenging. A few challenges are essential to note that help both loved ones and individuals still using. 

• One challenge to be aware of is not having control over their actions. We can make threats, remove privileges, cut them off, force them to go to rehab, and even remind them of legal troubles, but nothing works unless they are ready to quit.
•  Another challenge with addiction is trying to understand why the person is addicted at all. The reason why someone becomes addicted can vary from trauma, being prescribed medication to someone who used so much that they became physically dependent on it. 

We must understand these two challenges because if we don’t, we can cause more stress and harm to both us and the individual who is using.

 So if you’re reading this and wondering: What can I do? Well, I am glad you asked. 

How to support Teens: Teens are still developing mentally and emotionally. They will not automatically gravitate towards thinking their way through issues. Maintaining accountability and firm boundaries while building them up can be a great way to help them want more for themselves. 

How to support Adults: Remember adults know they have a choice and do not want it restricted. Make it very clear what you are willing to do to help them get treatment and keep an appropriate distance until they decide they are ready—using the long-handled spoon mentality. Do not try to give people ultimatums: do this or else. 

How to support Parents: Parents are more resistant than children because they are older than you. They are embarrassed to be told what to do and want to maintain the parenting authority. Encourage them to take care of themselves and find a motivating factor for them to remain in your life, e.g., Time with grandchildren.

How the community can help: Be accountable with love. When you meet someone who is an addict, remember they did not grow up desiring to be where they are in their life. Showing love and expressing to them that there is more for them serves as a much-needed reminder they are still seen, not just their addiction.