Addiction is a disease where a person compulsively abuses one or more substances until it negatively impacts their health and social lives. It disrupts lives, destroys families, and slowly kills its primary victim—the addict. In the U.S., addiction is an epidemic, and if we can all work towards understanding the nature of the addict, we can hopefully save their lives.
To the loved ones of addicts: First and foremost, they're worth fighting for. The toughest battle for a non-addict is the internal one. Almost every day, you have to remind yourself who they were and can be again, not who they've become. Remember that you are fighting for their lives. Insults will be thrown, tears will be shed, and you will be disappointed time and time again. But persevere because they are worth the fight.
It may seem nearly impossible, but voluntary commitment into a rehabilitation program on the part of the addict is the easiest method to ensure they receive the help they need. Contact the National Substance Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP to seek out the best treatment. Check on your state's website for local help as well. With addiction being such a widespread problem, be mindful that openings can be tough to come by. Costs also can vary. Some health insurance policies cover addiction while others can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But don't lose heart. If you keep looking, you can and will be able to find treatment options that won't hurt your family financially.
In most states, some level of involuntary commitment for addiction treatment is also allowed. With ample evidence to prove that the individual is an addict and a danger to themselves or others, he or she can be placed in a proper rehabilitation facility for a variable amount of time. Unfortunately, some states, including Pennsylvania, exclude addiction from their legal definition of mental illness causing involuntary commitment to be tough to achieve.
Currently, there are large gaps in the system when it comes to addiction, but the more we make our voices heard and help others to understand the devastation addiction causes, the better our options will become. Together, we can strengthen our current system so our loved ones have more and better options for treatment. In the meantime, we can utilize what help is available now. If he or she refuses to sign into a rehabilitation program and involuntary commitment is denied or doesn't work, there may be other legal options to force the addict's hand such as a restraining order. Call your local law enforcement to discuss immediate options in your area. If all else fails, plead with your loved one, convincing them of the beauty of life and love until you eventually break through. Never give up.
To addicts: You may have given up on your life, but you still love your family and friends. Find it in your heart and soul to listen to them. It may seem like an attack, but they have your best interests at heart. You can and will defeat this disease, but you can't do it alone. Use the resources available to you. Right now, you may be looking at your life and future through the hole of a straw. Sobriety will open your eyes and brighten your future once again.
Always remember, together we are strong, and we can defeat this.
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