Figuring out that a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol often leads to a lot of confusing feelings and emotions. It’s hard to know what to do about the situation, how to handle the situation with the loved one, and what to do to try to get help. Those who have a loved one suffering from addiction will want to use these tips to approach their loved one and show support as they go through recovery. Look into Treatment Plans to Offer Them When someone wants to help their loved one, a good way to start is by thinking about the various options for recovery. Many different options are available, from in-patient rehabilitation to individual counseling. Learn more about all of the treatment options available before speaking with a loved one about addiction, so there’s a potential plan to move forward. Learn About What They’re Going Through When talking to someone about a difficult topic like addiction, it’s always best to approach the situation with a thorough understanding of what they’re going through and what can help them. Those who want to help a loved one suffering from addiction should take time to learn more about addiction in general as well as the substance or substances they believe their loved one is addicted to. Consider Having an Intervention to Talk with Them An intervention can be a good way to get everyone together to speak with the person about what is going on, what they’ve noticed, and how they want to help. Learn more about how to do an intervention and what it involves to see if this is the right next step and if it’s going to be a good option for opening the discussion on addiction and recovery. Show Support for Them Throughout any discussion about the addiction, it’s important to be supportive and how that they are important and are more than their addiction. This does not mean protecting them from consequences they may have as a result of the addiction, but it does include showing them that they are cared for and that help is available when they’re ready to accept it. Listen to What They Have to Say During any conversation about the addiction, or about anything else, it’s important to really listen to what they have to say. Avoid interrupting when they speak or criticizing the things they have to say as this can push them further away. Instead, come from a place of understanding and compassion during any conversation about the addiction. Be Prepared for What to Do Next When initiating any conversation about the addiction, be prepared with what to say and what’s going to happen next. After looking into treatment options, it’s a good idea to be prepared to talk about the treatment options and how they can start getting help for their addiction right away. This shows that the support is available and that they can get help immediately if they are ready for it. Conclusion It can be hard to know what to do and what to say when a loved one is suffering from addiction. Use the tips here to start communicating with them about their addiction and to work towards getting them help through their recovery. Always be mindful about how they’re feeling and work to understand where they’re coming from so you can open a line of communication that’s supportive and helpful for them.