Should You Leave A Drug Addict or Alcoholic Who Won’t Seek Help?

The decision to leave an addict or alcoholic who won’t seek help is a difficult one. Addiction is powerful and can make the addicted person believe that they are in control of their addiction when they are not. Leaving someone who refuses help will likely cause them to spiral down into worse conditions than before, but staying with them might be enabling their addiction and causing harm to themselves and others. What should you do? Should you stay with them and hope that they change their mind, or leave them and allow them the freedom to make their own mistakes? It’s a difficult decision, one that many people have had to make before.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is the overuse and/or misuse of any substance, including illicit street drugs, prescription medications, alcohol and even caffeine. Sometimes people who suffer from addiction don’t believe they have a problem unless their lives are out of control. Addiction can be powerful enough that people continue to use or drink despite facing health problems, legal consequences and significant changes to their lives.

Addiction and Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a form of addiction. Alcohol yolks the brain to release dopamine, which releases serotonin and stimulates pleasure centers in the brain. With continued use, people become tolerant of alcohol, so they need to drink more to release these chemicals, thus leading to alcoholism. People with addiction tend not to think they have a problem until their lives are entirely out of control. When people finally hit that point and admit that they have a problem, it can be difficult for them to stop drinking or using drugs.

What Should You Do?

When you leave someone who is addicted, they might spiral down into worse conditions than before because their addiction gets stronger without any barriers. However, staying with them might be enabling their addiction and causing harm to themselves and others.

One thing that you should do when considering leaving someone who is addicted or alcoholic is to seek help for yourself because the situation can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. If you need help dealing with your own emotions regarding this subject matter, please visit our website to find the proper treatment.

What To Do?

If you’re struggling with the decision to stay with someone who won’t seek help, or leave them alone, here are a few things that might help.

First of all, remember that addiction is powerful, and you cannot make another person get sober. Your loved one has to want sobriety for themselves.

Second, stay away from enabling behaviors. Do not protect your loved ones from the consequences of their addiction by bailing them out of jail or covering up for them with lies.

Third, do not give up on your loved one. Addiction can be treated, and you may be able to help your loved one get sober through treatment programs and support groups.

Fourth, if you’re struggling with your sobriety and codependency issues, consider seeking treatment for yourself. It’s essential that you take care of your needs and set boundaries to stay healthy, and allow your loved one to get sober when they are ready.

Final Thoughts

Leaving someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can cause them to spiral down into worse conditions than before. Addiction is powerful and can make the addicted person believe that they control their addiction when they are not. Staying with someone who refuses help will likely enable their addiction and cause harm to themselves and others.

If you’re struggling with the decision of staying with your loved one or leaving them alone, keep in mind that addiction is powerful, and you cannot make another person get sober. Your loved one has to want sobriety for themselves. Stay away from enabling behaviors by not protecting your loved ones from the consequences of their addiction or covering up for them with lies. Don’t give up on your loved one! Addiction can be treated, and you may be able to help your loved one get sober through treatment programs and support groups.

If you’re struggling with your sobriety, consider seeking treatment for yourself. It’s vital that you take care of your needs, set boundaries to stay healthy, and allow your addicted loved one to get sober when they are ready.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please call us at 833-820-2922 for more information about the signs of addiction and how to seek help for yourself or your loved one. Thank you!