Siblings—there is really no relationship quite like it. No matter the age difference, a brother or a sister is always an extension of us. But it can be difficult to see someone in pain and struggling, particularly when it comes to addiction.
If you were wondering how to help a drug-addicted sister, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s see what to do when a sister falls off the wagon.
What Should I Do If My Sister Is Addicted to Drugs
Educate Her
One of the best ways of getting your sister help for drug addiction is to educate her on the different challenges and dangers that she might face if she continues engaging in addiction.
It’s true that logic doesn’t always win, but an addict’s lack of knowledge will certainly hinder their progress.
It may motivate your sister to seek treatment if she knows the risks associated with substance abuse.
This could be the key to convincing her to get help if you learn these topics and guide her.
- How drugs and alcohol affect her body and mind
- What kind of treatments are available for her
- Demystifying any misconceptions she may have about recovery or addiction
- Look into areas of her life that have been affected or finances and how they can be improved with sobriety.
- How substance abuse could lead to irreparable damage or death
If you are unsure about where to get the best information to educate yourself first, try browsing our content library which covers many useful topics.
Seek Family Therapy
In family therapy, each member of the family is involved in the process. This therapy is based on the idea that the family is a system of different parts, so when one member is affected by addiction, all members will be affected.
Besides healing the patient, this form of therapy teaches the entire family how to deal with addiction in a healthy manner.
If you were wondering how to help a drug-addicted sister, then this could be a great way to get started.
Pull the Sibling Card
Yea, you heard it. The sibling card is one we brothers and sisters always keep tucked in our sleeves but when it is time to use it, we shouldn’t have reservations about pulling it.
After all, what better time to make use of our birth-given right to invoke the one card that might help a sister get better?
But what exactly is a sibling card? Well, if you have a sibling, you know what we are talking about. It’s that favor that you can occasionally pull from your kin to overcome all other wills.
It’s a pledge to say, if not for me, then for who?
Perhaps, just maybe, the sibling card could be the one bond the addict might stand not to break. But if it doesn’t hold strong, then don’t give up hope, addiction is a cunning foe, but there is always a way out.
Keep trying, your sister is counting on you.
Look For Professional Help
When all else fails, there is the last option remaining, and the one that is likely to beat all odds.
So how to help a drug-addicted sister you ask? Call the pros.
Professionals are not only well prepared to deal with all imaginable addiction situations, but they also have a proven track record of recovery success.
A professional recovery center might first be able to aid you by providing you with valuable tips and information on how to handle the situation. But more importantly, they can provide you with intervention services.
Interventions are meetings between family members and recovery experts where loved ones express their concern and love for the addict. There is usually a strong enough emotional response triggered by the intervention that may motivate the addict to go to rehab.
The popular treatment has been popularized in television shows and it’s one of the most effective ways to get even the most stubborn addicts into rehab.
Involuntary Commitment
Another alternative, which is less pleasant for everybody, is involuntary commitment. This form of forced treatment forces a person with a mental illness who poses a danger to themselves into medical supervision.
Involuntary commitment by individuals with substance use disorders or mental health conditions can occur in most states in the US. However, the specific laws and procedures for such commitments may vary in each jurisdiction.
While these involuntary commitments will not get the addict into rehab, they will place them under the temporary supervision of medical staff. This could offer a short gap for your sister to sober up and give them the opportunity to rethink their commitment to addiction.
Supporting Your Sister’s Recovery
Now that you know more about how to help a drug-addicted sister, you might want to support her by helping her seek a rehab facility that can help her get well.
Outpatient LA offers recovery centers that include family therapy where siblings can support each other in the recovery process.
Contact us now to find out more!