How to Help A Family Member with AddictionHow to Help A Family Member with Addiction
The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast
We’re doing something a little bit different today, which is to look at addiction through the lens of the family. I can't tell you how many times I’ve talked to the family members of someone struggling with drugs & alcohol who just want to...
1:01:44•7 Dec 2023
Supporting Loved Ones Through Addiction: Insights from Dr. Carrie Wilkens
Episode Overview
- Dr. Wilkens discusses evidence-based skills to help a loved one make positive changes
- The episode sheds light on the outdated messaging around addiction and its impact on families
- Insights into the need for individualised treatment and addressing trauma concurrently with substance use problems
- Valuable guidance on the support and understanding that family members can offer to loved ones struggling with addiction
- Encouragement for a compassionate and empathetic approach to addiction recovery
“The core approach being behaviors make sense, which is as human beings, we don't do things unless they work for us in some reason. You know, like you don't, you don't keep putting your hand on a hot stove. I'm not going to do that anymore.”
Feeling helpless while watching a loved one struggle with addiction is something many of us know all too well. In this episode of 'The One Day at a Time Recovery Podcast', host Arlina Allen welcomes Dr. Carrie Wilkens to offer a fresh perspective on how families can truly help. Dr. Wilkens, author of 'Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change', shares practical, evidence-based strategies that go beyond the outdated 'tough love' approach.
She emphasizes the power of kindness and science in fostering real change. Dr. Wilkens doesn't just talk theory; she shares her personal journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. From her early experiences with PTSD to her career in psychology, her insights are both relatable and actionable. She also highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans that address trauma alongside substance use issues, stressing that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work.
One key takeaway from this episode is the debunking of the 'rock bottom' myth. Dr. Wilkens explains why waiting for someone to hit rock bottom can be more harmful than helpful, and how proactive, compassionate support can make a world of difference. She provides a roadmap for family members who want to be a positive influence without enabling destructive behaviors.
Whether you're a family member trying to support someone with addiction or someone seeking to understand more about effective recovery strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in for a compassionate discussion that could change how you approach addiction recovery in your own life.
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