One of the saddest truths about addiction is that no person drinks or uses drugs in a vacuum.

Loved ones can easily find themselves drawn into anxiety over their friend or family member’s substance use, and their sincere efforts to help may only deepen the problem.

Enabling means that although this is not their intention, families make it comfortable for an addicted person to use. In many families, the focus of attention narrows itself to the addicted person, but in focusing on this person that they can begin to lose sight of themselves.

An alternative to adapting is detachment with love. This means responding to our own needs while being caring and considerate of another’s needs. It means that we can be responsible to them, but not for them. And as a result, we no longer shield people from the consequences of their behavior.

Most family members of an addicted person tried for a long time to change that person and it didn’t work. The fact is that we are involved with other people, but we don’t control them. We can’t prohibit them from unhealthy choices.

Addiction counseling can help loved ones:

• Understand how they can help (and when to stop helping) the addict in their life
• Understand of recovery process of an addict
• Develop healthy boundaries

It is very difficult to watch a loved one descend into addiction. Whether you are just beginning to wonder if your loved one has a problem, have been dealing with an addicted person for years or are trying to coordinate an intervention or treatment options, our licensed and experienced staff can help you to navigate these tricky and painful waters. At Charleston Counseling Center we know how overwhelmed you might feel and will help you sort out the situation and come up with a plan. We offer evening and weekend sessions for your convenience and accept many forms of insurance.