Building Bridges: Communicating with Loved Ones Battling Addiction
By accepting the person with an addiction—even if you don't accept their behavior—you can start to build bridges to forgiveness and their recovery.
Imagine trying to connect with a loved one who’s struggling with addiction. It’s tough, right? This episode of the Tiger Resilience Podcast, hosted by Bernie Tiger, dives deep into the delicate art of family communication when addiction is in the picture. Episode #9, titled 'Family Communication and Addiction: Be Kind', is all about fostering understanding and compassion in these challenging situations. Bernie emphasizes the importance of accepting the person, even if you can't accept their behavior.
Instead of shaming or blaming, he suggests more supportive language like, 'Everyone needs help sometimes. You don't have to be ashamed of your addiction'. The episode also stresses the need for educating yourself on addiction without making assumptions. Each person's journey with addiction is unique, and understanding this can help in offering genuine support. Bernie discusses how setting boundaries and focusing on positive interactions can make a world of difference.
He also touches on the power of belief and how social media can play a role in recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication skills with family members battling addiction, aiming to bring families closer together and foster a supportive environment.