Motivating Change: Tools for Helping Loved Ones with Addiction
Behaviors make sense and there's a reason why your loved one is using. And so there's kind of a wheel that kind of goes around this and we're going to examine the different strategies to kind of help you to motivate your loved one, um, towards change.
Imagine being in a position where someone you love is caught in the grip of addiction. It’s a heart-wrenching place to be, but Brittany Jackson, a seasoned behavioral health and Family Recovery Coach, brings a beacon of hope. In this episode, Brittany dives into practical strategies to inspire change in those struggling with substance use disorders.
With personal anecdotes from her own life—her partner's battle with alcohol and her sister's journey through meth and heroin addiction—Brittany’s insights are both deeply personal and universally applicable. Brittany kicks off by explaining that addiction is more than just a series of bad choices; it’s a behavior rooted in deeper issues. She introduces the Invitation to Change Approach, a method that focuses on empathy and understanding rather than judgment and shame.
This approach, along with Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) and motivational interviewing techniques, offers families effective tools to support their loved ones in seeking treatment. The heart of the episode lies in the motivational strategies Brittany shares. She stresses the importance of active listening, validating feelings, and setting clear boundaries. By approaching the situation with kindness and empathy, rather than criticism, families can create a supportive environment that encourages positive change.
Brittany also highlights the power of positive reinforcement and practical contingencies to motivate loved ones. Throughout the episode, Brittany’s personal experiences serve as a powerful backdrop. She acknowledges the emotional toll of living with someone battling addiction and provides practical advice for self-care and emotional resilience. Her message is clear: while helping a loved one is crucial, it’s equally important to take care of oneself.
This episode is a treasure trove of real-world tools and compassionate advice for anyone facing the challenge of supporting a loved one with a substance use disorder. Brittany’s blend of professional expertise and personal experience makes her guidance both relatable and actionable. Tune in to learn how to create a nurturing environment that fosters recovery and well-being for everyone involved.