By the time you end your morning shower the opiate epidemic will take a life. Everyday 125 families feel the crushing defeat of losing a loved one to the fight against addiction. Annually, over 50,000 people will lose their lives; more than car accidents and gun related deaths combined. This statistic includes not just illegal drugs but the ever increasing velocity of deaths are due to the implications of doctor prescribed medications. The effects of this epidemic have become systemic within all american families and communities. Addiction does not discriminate against race, gender, social status and financial means.
Enter Dr. Surasky, triple board certified in neurology, addiction medicine, and preventive medicine. His unique combination of credentials allows him unique insights on addiction treatment. Currently he is the medical director of Bridge Back to Life, a multi-center outpatient addiction treatment program and the founder of the Surasky Neurological Center for Addiction in Great Neck, N.Y. He is known for employing early stage detoxification medications, Vivitrol treatment and reduction of stress to the upper spine and limbic brain to treat addiction. If yourself or someone you care about is suffering from addiction and are seeking treatment there are contact resources for Dr. Surasky at the end of this article.
“The family plays a crucial role in helping the person struggling with addiction to improve,” says specialist Dr. Russell Surasky. “Providing a loving support structure for those dealing with addiction helps the person get treatment and prevent future relapse.” Here, Dr. Surasky provides 5 tips for families to help a loved one struggling with substance abuse.
#1: Education, Education, Education
“When family members understand addiction and how powerful it becomes, they tend to become more compassionate. Loved ones begin to understand that the addiction changes the brain in ways beyond the person’s control,” says Dr. Surasky. “We recommend consulting professionals and learning about the latest science. We also advocate patience, since the disease tends to be a chronic struggle. Relapse is common and can be triggered by cues (buildings, bottles, etc.) that were once associated with the addiction. These habits are rigid and difficult to break, so expect an enduring struggle,” adds Dr. Surasky.
#2: Seek Out A Support Team
Loved ones struggling with addiction can emotionally drain the family. Oftentimes, family members become so focused on helping the afflicted person that they neglect self-care. Dr. Surasky advocates a routine of regular exercise, healthy eating, and sleep. Since people struggling with addiction can be difficult to be around, Dr. Surasky also supports family therapy and connecting with families going through similar circumstances. “Finding mental health support where families can share their feelings, such as Narconon, in a safe space provides a necessary outlet, which can build strength and unity.”
#3: Encourage treatment, don’t force it
“The biggest challenge for families dealing with addiction is helping the individual understand that they have an issue in the first place. People struggling with addiction are often reluctant to acknowledge that they have a problem, despite failing to fulfill responsibilities, maintain relationships, and keep up with their jobs. This is a vicious way in which addiction captures the mind. It’s important for families to understand how sensitive this can be,” says Dr. Surasky. For the first step, Dr. Surasky recommends a heartfelt intervention, where a trained interventionist and the family gather around to help the person understand their self-destructive behavior. Families should not force the person into treatment, but rather encourage the person to help themselves.
#4: Language is important
Dr. Surasky is an outspoken advocate in changing the language surrounding addiction. “I’ve found that labels like ‘addict’ and ‘abuser’ are damaging to those recovering from addiction. The labels shame and ostracize these people both within and outside the medical community. We need to separate the illness from the person who suffers from it. We don’t define sick people by their illnesses and we shouldn’t do it to people suffering with addiction.” Remember, people recovering from addiction are people first. Let’s use language of respect, not shame.
#5: Tenuis balance between support and enabling
Oftentimes, families try to support the person dealing with addiction by covering for them, lending money, and picking up the slack. Dr. Surasky advocates setting strict boundaries while maintaining a loving, supportive environment. “It’s crucial that the person dealing with addiction feels loved and supported. But they also need to feel the consequences of their actions. Family members tend to think that they can control, or limit the effects of the addiction without it getting worse. This often leads the family to make excuses and cover for the mistakes, which only hurts the situation,” says Dr. Surasky. Family members should communicate clear boundaries and stay strong while the person dealing with addiction endures the negative consequences.
