Many of us know someone who has battled or is battling substance abuse or addiction. It is very common in our society, with an estimated 20 million Americans addicted to a substance like alcohol, opioids or cocaine. Addiction impacts the lives of many around the person who suffers from the substance abuse disorder. If you are looking for ways to support someone you love who suffers from an addiction, here are some tips:

1. Make sure you put yourself first: When someone you love is struggling, it is easy to try to put all of your energy into helping them. This can end up meaning that you put your loved one above your own self-care. Taking care of yourself will allow you to better help your loved one struggling with addiction.
2. Understand that this is likely a long-term issue: For many, addiction is a lifelong battle. It is possible that your loved one may experience ups and downs with addiction and relapse multiple times before being able to control the addiction. Addiction is a marathon not a sprint, so try to exercise patience as you support your loved one.
3. Remember that there is often a mental health component to addiction: Many individuals who have substance abuse problems also suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Getting help for the mental health aspects of addiction may be an important part of the recovery process.
4. Find resources for yourself and your loved one: Your loved one will need a lot of support to help him/her battle addiction. Try to find resources that work well for them and be flexible about the different types of support. You may also need professional support as well.
5. Allow your loved one to own their mistakes: Practice forgiveness when you can. Your loved one will make mistakes during the process, and you likely will too. Affirm your unconditional love and try not to weaponize that affection.

Sober Living Community For Men In Minnesota

The Anthony House is a sober living community for men in Minnesota. We offer a caring environment for those recovering from addiction, including alcoholism. We help our residents learn strategies for managing addiction, provide support and empower them to build a strong foundation for their future. We do this by encouraging personal responsibility and accountability in a comfortable and supportive setting. For more information about our sober living communities, call us at 651-334-2395.