Helping a loved one overcome addiction

Addiction rarely exists in isolation; it affects everyone connected to the person struggling, creating a delicate balance between love and frustration for family members.

Wolf says it is important to remember that addiction has no bias and it can affect anyone regardless of status and background.

Key signs include dramatic behavioural changes and disconnection from responsibilities.

When approaching someone suffering from addiction, he advises coming from a position of love rather than confrontation.

Recovering is not just about abstention, but it requires fundamental changes in thinking and behaviour.

“It’s very common for people to avoid uncomfortable discussions, so the natural response may often be not to respond,” says Wolf.

He suggests a non-confrontational strategy, saying something like: “I have noticed that there are significant changes in your behaviour, and naturally, I don’t want to highlight that, but I feel it is my responsibility to talk to you about this issue.

For families facing denial, Wolf suggests evaluating how to hold the leverage in the situation.

Sometimes professional intervention is necessary, which includes committal orders if someone is actively self-destructing.

“If the person is not being receptive, what they are actually telling you is that you are the one with the problem, you are seeing things. So, you need to be able to escalate things and respond to that,” he says.

Support groups can also help family members to understand their own powerlessness.

Wolf encourages families to set appropriate boundaries while maintaining compassionate support.

To listen to Wolf in conversation with 702’s Thabo Shole-Mashao, click below: