Give orders or make empty threats. Communicate that you care. Don t exaggerate or deny the reality of the situation. Know what you are going to do in a crisis situation and follow through with your plan. Contact someone who specializes in chemical dependency counseling for direction if you expect a problem in your home.
Chemical dependency has debilitating, life-threatening consequences.
Dependent people need firm boundaries and a supportive environment for successful recovery. More severe cases may require brief hospitalization and a detoxification process. Ideally, medical care, proper nutrition, spiritual guidance, behavioral interventions, individual and group therapy, family education and support should be combined to help restore emotional, spiritual and physical health.