Expert Q&A
Time for Treatment?
No one wants to believe their loved one has a problem, and for those with no history of addiction themselves, it can be hard to spot the signs in others. But addiction – whether it's drug abuse, alcohol, food or something else – is a very serious matter, often requiring professional help.
So how do you know when you or a loved one needs help? And what do you do once you've determined there is a problem? To help answer these difficult question, Dr. Drew Paxton, CEO of Alta Mira Treatment Programs in Sausalito, Calif. lends his expertise.
Question: How can a lay person spot a potential addiction problem in someone else?
Paxton: Many of us aren't even sure how to define addiction, let alone treat it. Do you think you know? Take this quiz:
Would you say addiction is...
A moral weakness?
A lack of willpower?
An inability to face the world?
A physical illness?
A spiritual sickness?
All of the above?
In fact, addiction is a disease that is emotional, mental, physical and spiritual in nature.
Question: Once we know what addiction is, how do we spot it in family, friends or co-workers?
Paxton: While individuals and situations vary, addiction has specific warning signs that are often the same from case to case.
What to look for...
Patterns of absences, particularly on Mondays and Fridays
Disappearing during parts of the day
Taking long lunch breaks, offering vague excuses
Never being fully present, always seeming distracted
Being dishonest, secretive, seeming to hide things or cover up
Acting overly defensive
Deterioration in any area of their life or work
Changing friends
Suffering from recurring illnesses
Conflicts with co-workers/marital problems
Inappropriate behavior, embarrassing moments at work functions or other celebrations
Question: Once we've established there's a problem, how do we proceed?
Paxton: There are a number of ways to seek help for someone you believe is struggling from an addiction. Start by expressing your concern in a non-threatening way. Remember, this issue is a health problem and should be treated as one. From there, provide access to resources including self-help groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, other 12 Step programs). You can also propose a professional evaluation to determine the degree of the problem and the help identify a correct course of treatment. Finally, identify a professional interventionist to assist you in developing an appropriate approach to getting help for someone you feel is a danger to themself or others.
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