How to Live with a Meth Addict
When someone discovers that a loved one is addicted to meth…
…there are many questions and reflections that go through their mind. They may wonder how they can make this situation work and learn to tolerate the drug use. Unfortunately, although that thought is tempting, it is also unrealistic. Even though, like some alcoholics, some meth users can function (i.e. hold down a job) for a time, their behavior is still going to change. That change often includes violence or cheating on their spouse. The only way to live with a meth addict is to do what you can to make them a recovering meth addict.
It isn’t easy to be tough on a loved one, be it a child, spouse or sibling.
* Intervention may be a possibility and that is often effective.
Loved ones have a difficult time realizing that they cannot change that individual. All they can do is look out for themselves and urge the addict to get help. If after all efforts have been made to get them help, sadly, sometimes the person needs to be put out of the home, especially if there is violence or verbal abuse. The best thing to do is call for help when it is discovered that a loved one is a meth addict. Calling a rehabilitation center can be a wonderful resource to give you your options since the laws vary from state to state.
* The persons who are not addicted must look out for themselves as well.
Although the instinct may be to pamper and protect the loved one who is addicted, that is never a good thing to do. The expression “tough love” was coined for that very reason. Meth kills; it also destroys relationships, jobs and communities. Living with a meth addict may seem to work for a while but help is needed, and soon. Be positive, but firm when dealing with the addict. Let them know that their behavior will not be tolerated and be prepared to back it up. The person living with the addict may want to get some counseling of their own. It isn’t easy to be tough on a loved one, be it a child, spouse or sibling.
* It is necessary though, because “tough“ is what is going to work.
The addict is depending on the sympathy of loved ones to continue their drug use. Keeping a positive outlook and being able to express some tough love just may be enough to turn that loved one around to the point where they seek help.
[...] Crystal Meth is generally smoked in wooden or glass pipes in the same manner as cocaine. Some addicts may even take this drug by injecting themselves with a dried form or a solution mixed with water. There are other users who swallow or sniff the drug in a powdered form. [...]