How To Have Sympathy For Addicts
Drug addiction is one of the major cankers found in several societies worldwide. Everyone has unique views on drug addiction based on research, personal experience, upbringing, religion, and other factors.
How do you gain more sympathy for drug addicts?
Empathy vs. Sympathy
People sometimes think that empathy and sympathy are the same things.
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Sympathy simply acknowledges another person’s hardships and struggles. Sympathy objectifies the person. Here’s an example: “You sure smoke a lot of pot. You want to quit and it’s an uphill battle.” |
Empathy is understanding what a person is thinking or feeling because you’ve experienced it yourself, or at least you can put yourself in his or her shoes. Empathy objectifies the problem Here’s an example: “I know it’s not easy to quit smoking pot because I remember how carefree it made me feel—I didn’t want to give it up.” |
How To Cope With A Loved One’s Drug Addiction
- Accept that your loved one’s addiction is not your fault.
- Let me be the person to tell you: Your loved one’s addiction is not your fault. There is nothing you can do or not do that will coerce your addict into recovery.
- Detach with love.
- Setting boundaries and holding your ground does not mean that you do not love and deeply care for the addict.
- Set boundaries with love.
- Here are a few boundaries suggested in group therapy:
- Don’t give your addict money.
- Don’t use or drink in the home.
- Forbid emotional or physical abuse.
- Here are a few boundaries suggested in group therapy:
- Use support groups for sanity.
- There is power in numbers; what you can’t do alone, you can fearlessly do together.
DON’T:
- Ignore the issue.
- Enable.
- Give ultimatums or threats.
- Discuss concerns when they are under the influence or their emotions are running high.
- Blame them or yourself.
Help For Drug Addicts
Treatment is the only way to tackle drug addiction. Luckily, there are several modern and effective ways to combat drug addiction. Some of these include:
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Telemed: Telemedicine For Drug Addiction Treatment
- Multiple Pathways Treatment
Benefits Of Empathy During Drug Treatment
Applying empathy during treatment may help you:
- Avoid repeating bad habits and negative thoughts.
- Improve communication skills, leading to less conflict.
- Gain a deeper understanding and level of compassion.
- Eliminate selfish acts and be wrapped in your own wants.
- Listen compassionately, rather than make rash judgments.
Why Choose The Impact Outpatient Program For Addiction Recovery?
We are a unique drug and alcohol treatment center that provides a path to lasting addiction recovery through individualized plans and evidence-based therapies.
Our staff provides compassionate care so you can receive the treatment you need without any judgment.