The fear of how your family or friends will react makes opening up difficult. Yet, it is a paramount step to breaking out of an addiction problem.
It may seem like an arduous task, but with guidance, you’ll realize you can pull it off. Are you serious about talking to someone about an addiction and getting over it? Here are 3 steps you can take to go about it.
- Choose a Perfect Timing
Deciding when and where to talk about it is important, and you’ll need to plan and prepare yourself for it. Choose a suitable location and time when you can talk freely to those you trust.
This is not to encourage stalling under the guise of waiting for the ‘perfect time’. The more you stall, the worse your condition gets and the less likely you’ll eventually open up. It’s best to act quickly once you realize you’re becoming an addict.
- Open Up Completely
Honesty is key in talking to someone about an addiction problem. Let them know if it was peer pressure that led you into it or you were just going through so much stress at the time; open up to them.
This reassures them that you want help and calms them down to give you the support you need. You also unburden yourself of the weight you’ve carried alone for goodness knows how long. Just let it all out gently, yes, that’s it.
- Enlighten Them
Your family may expect you to get out of the addiction immediately. Educate them that it won’t happen overnight. With their help and understanding, slowly but surely, you’ll come out of it.
Together, you can go see a doctor or therapist for professional consultancy on your family’s role and yours in getting out of the addiction.
Opening up about an addiction problem requires courage. Your family may get emotional or angry or react unexpectedly but it’s fine, remain calm.
It may be a rough ride going forward, but it becomes easier when they’re educated and prepared. With everyone’s help and cooperation, you’re a step closer to being free of the addiction.