Aug 13, 2015 | By Tim Powers

Losing Someone To Drug Addiction: 5 Ways To Provide Meaningful Support

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Grief-

With all of the sophistication of modern man with our technology and advanced ways of thinking, the concept of death remains of the great mysteries of life and is a concept that many struggle to face and define.

Like the rising and setting of the sun, the life of life, death and the dash in between is inevitable. One day, we all will die–and we must find a way to come to terms with it, accept it, and find ways to squeeze the marrow of every second we have on this spinning blue orb located 93 million miles from the sun.

When people die in our lives, the process of grieving, mourning and resolution is normal and we all experience that cycle. Losing someone to addiction makes the grieving process more complicated, and the guilt, shame and anger that are common in that process can get amplified many fold.

Losing someone to drug addiction turns up the pain, and if a loved one or friend is feeling that sting you may be at a loss in finding ways to provide meaningful support and comfort when they need it the most. The following are five ways that you can be supportive in a healthy and respectful manner.

Be Present, Be Available

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When we approach someone who has lost a loved one, the first thing we want to do is try to say the right things or come up with the magical words that will help them feel better and take away their pain. While this is certainly a noble and kind gesture, it is better to just be there and present. You can do this by being physically present, by visiting or spending time with them, or by being available for their phone calls or emails. You can even send them a card or flowers. These simple gestures can provide the greatest source of comfort for those who are in pain losing someone to drug addiction.

Listen

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Along with being present, another effective way to provide support is learning to listen to those who are grieving and giving them the chance to speak fully about what they are going through. When you are listening in this capacity, you are giving your full attention and allowing them to speak without interruption.

If they pause, give them a few seconds to collect their thought if they need to do so.

Be Sympathetic, But Be Careful

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When someone loses a loved one, we obviously want to be supportive in what you say. While saying things such as I feel for you or I am sorry for your loss is common. Saying something like I know what you are going through can add insult to injury. Even if you have lost a loved one to drug and alcohol addiction in your own life, you must realize that the experiences and relationships are likely to have been quite different.

If you don’t know what they are going through losing a loved one to drug addiction, you can still be there for them.

Be Neutral

Grief-5With this step, it can be tricky–especially if you had negative experiences and relationships with the deceased. However, it is important to be supportive without being judgmental and allow the bereaved to process their own feelings. Instead of saying he/she was such a jerk, how could you even put up with them you can say something like that must have been a real challenging time for you. Those who are mourning need to come to terms with losing someone to addiction on their own accord.

Provide a Helping Hand

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Oftentimes when people grieve that have little or no motivation or energy to take care of their daily needs. By helping prepare a meal, helping with laundry, running basic errands or providing babysitting can be a great help. You can also help those who are grieving by assisting in funeral arrangements, talking with doctors and working with lawyers in case their are legal situations that arise from the person’s death. By simply asking how can I help? it means the world to those who are struggling to cope with the loss.

Do You Need Help?

Are you struggling with the emotions of losing someone to drug addiction? Do you need somewhere to turn to find drug treatment for yourself or a loved one? Are you seeking more information about the disease of addiction? Sober Nation has you covered with the articles and resources you need. We also provide you with a comprehensive treatment directory featuring 40,000 treatment centers across the country.

Help is only a mouse click or a phone call away.

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One response to “Losing Someone To Drug Addiction: 5 Ways To Provide Meaningful Support

  • It is best that parents should educate their kids in early stage the cause and effect of taking drugs. It is also best to know all the friends. It is best that family is the one that is open for them in terms of listening.

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