A large number of people struggling with dependency issues will deny the fact that they are sufferers. This is especially the case with people that have become dependent upon ordinary substances that are freely available over the counter. People that use excessive amounts of aspirin, cough medicine and others convince themselves that they need it and that they are suffering from a condition such as chronic headaches that demand medication.
Many others are addicted to dangerous and even illegal substances. Drugs are available freely and alcohol is widely abused. People that become dependent on these substances often subside into dependency gradually. They tell themselves that they deserve a little bit of fun and that they can stop whenever they choose to do so. Of course, the only one that they are fooling is themselves.
Those with dependency problems often cause their loved ones extreme harm. They abuse those around them and they will sometimes commit theft to get what they think they need and deserve. Many crimes are committed by those that do it simply because they need to buy alcohol or drugs. Addicts are relentless in their pursuit of their harmful habits. They will lie and steal and in the process they often destroy their families.
Families of addicts sometimes want to intervene forcefully. Even when they have the very best intentions this solution hardly ever works. Therapists agree that rehabilitation and treatment will only work once the patient had admitted his problem and expressed a desire to be helped. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to get addicts to reach the point where they admit their dependency and that they need professional intervention.
Addicts need to be convinced that there is no shame in admitting the need for help. They need to know that their loved ones will support him and stand by him. Counselors will often ask loved ones to become part of the therapy and addicts often gain from attending group sessions where they learn that they are not alone in their struggle against a harmful substance.
When looking for help it is important to choose a counselor that specializes in helping people with dependency problems. Therapy often takes a long time and progress is up to the patient, not the counselor. No counselor worth his salt will make promises in this regard. It is often beneficial if the family of the addict is involved in the therapy.
Dependency is a disease that affects not only the addict but also everybody around him. It can lead to socially unacceptable behavior and in many cases addicts develop serious personality disorders. Help is available, however, but only once the addict recognizes that he has a problem and that he cannot solve that problem alone.
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