How To Support & Help Your Sister With Addiction

If your sister or another family member is struggling with addiction, there are several ways to offer your support. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the words you use when speaking with your sister about her addiction are important.

Instead of approaching her with blame, offer empathy and compassion and immediately show that you care for your sister. 

You should also take care of yourself. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that the entire family can be affected by a loved one’s addiction, especially those who are caretakers.

Learn About Drug & Alcohol Addiction

To begin supporting your sister, it’s important to do research and become knowledgeable about drug and alcohol use.

In this way, you can better familiarize yourself with warning signs, side effects, and health problems associated with drug use. When speaking with your sister about her addiction, you can use supportive language and better understand the struggles she faces with her addiction.

Seek A Professional Interventionist

If you are having difficulty communicating with your sister, consider finding a professional interventionist who can assist you. During an intervention, the professional will help monitor the discussion as you try to convince her to go to rehab.

When loved ones speak with your sister about her drug use, the interventionist can help with the communication process, explaining to your sister that you and other family members are there to be a support system for her.

Suggest Support Groups & Therapy

You can also suggest support groups to your sister. There are various support groups to consider for drug or alcohol use, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Types of therapy options include individual, group, and family therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also referred to as “talk therapy,” is an important aspect of the treatment process in which she can speak with a professional about her habits and triggers.

Recommend Professional Help At A Treatment Center

If your sister requires treatment, recommend professional care. Whether she partakes in therapy sessions or other types of evidence-based care, your sister is certain to receive professional, high-quality treatment at a facility.

Treatment options that are available for substance use disorder include medical detox for withdrawal symptoms and cravings, inpatient or outpatient care, dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental illness, and holistic activities that improve overall well-being.

Call Or Write Your Sister While She’s In Drug Rehab

When your sister enters a treatment facility, there are additional ways to support her. 

For instance, while your sister undergoes treatment for health problems caused by drug use, you can send letters in the mail. In addition to this, you can also make phone calls to your sister while she’s in rehab.

Take Care Of Your Sister’s Daily Needs

While your sister receives substance abuse treatment, consider offering support by driving her to and from the facility or taking care of her children and pets. You can volunteer your time to housesit or pick up her child after school until your sister’s addiction treatment program ends.

Practice Self-Care

While you take care of your sister, it’s important to set boundaries and practice self-care throughout the process. Try to implement practices which do not allow you and your sister’s relationship to become codependent.

Additionally, consider taking part in therapy options such as Al-Anon, a self-help group for friends and family members of those struggling with alcohol abuse.

To learn about our treatment programs, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center.