This post wraps up our Blog Series focusing on Addiction! Scroll down for the complete listing of posts in this Series. As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.Article 8 of 8. (from the Winter 2011 Messenger Magazine)
Ways a non-professional can help
•Remember that your involvement is important to the person and to the God who loves us.
•Pray for the individual, and remind him/her to pray for you.
•Know when to refer. If you feel like you’re in over your head, you probably are.
•Be direct. Chances are the individual wants to talk about the addiction but doesn’t know how.
•Be an active listener:
- Listen more than you speak.
- Look the individual in the eye as you speak and listen.
- Paraphrase and repeat statements, for example, “What I hear you saying is...”
•Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response:
- How does the addiction make you feel?
- What makes it ok for you?
•Don’t enable
- Set boundaries and stick to them; don’t be afraid to show firm love.
- Don’t ignore behaviors; try to address them in the moment.
- Don’t own the individual’s issues — remember that their urgency is not your emergency.
•Listen for the cause. Instead of focusing on the behavior itself, try to listen for the cause of the
behavior.
•Don’t expect quick fixes. Long-standing issues require long-term solutions.
•Remember to speak with other people who are helping in an individual’s life.
We hope you enjoyed this series on Addiction! For more stories like these, click here to receive the Messenger Magazine electronically!
FORMER POSTS within our Blog Series on Addiction:
Children's Prayers Reach God's Ears
Celebrating at a Concert Together
Give It Away to Keep It
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