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Addict vs. Loved Ones: 6 Effective Ways to Communicate Through Addiction
DrugAbuse.com
As humans, we crave social interaction with one another. Communication skills pave the way for meaningful conversations, telling funny jokes or relaying our heartaches.
Despite its importance, our ability to communicate is one of the first skills we lose once addiction becomes a factor. As addicts, we often feel isolated and ashamed, while our loved ones are left feeling confused and powerless to help. Talking to one another can be extremely difficult.
If we don’t know how to properly communicate with one another, our conversations can quickly turn to anger, avoidance, depression or indifference.
One side of the conversation is made up of friends and family members who don’t understand the powerful grip of addiction. They feel betrayed; it’s as if they don’t recognize us anymore. On the other side of that conversation, you’ll find us – the chemically dependent. We’re also frustrated and confused, but for completely different reasons.
If we don’t know how to properly communicate with one another, our conversations can quickly turn to anger, avoidance, depression or indifference.
It’s hard for addicts to verbalize our feelings. Drugs can smother our true emotions and, in many cases, that promise of avoidance is appealing. Instead of dealing with painful news or intense heartache, it’s often easier to escape reality by turning to mind-altering substances.
When effectively communicating, most addicts would want you to know…
continue on to full article below for 6 effective ways to communicate:
