On VH1’s new series, “Hindsight,” one of the storylines involves the main character, Becca’s, brother’s descent into addiction.
Becca has been transported from the present day back to 1995, believing that the hindsight she brings to the new chance at life might help her change things. Preventing her brother from becoming addicted to drugs is one of the things she attempts, but to date her efforts have been fruitless.
The program raises an interesting question with this storyline: what is our responsibility to the people we love when we see them struggling with addiction—and could we stop them if we tried?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. Where programs like A&E’s “Intervention” have popularized the idea that it’s possible for loved ones to reach into an addict’s problems and attempt to pull them out, the truth is that those struggling with addiction need to take the steps to get and stay clean themselves.
Perhaps the best thing to do to help someone else find a way out of addiction is to start by prioritizing your own mental and physical health. Just like the airline safety videos say—you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else. And when you’re healthy, you’ll be in a better position to offer healthy support to loved ones ready for change.
Assessing whether you have a responsibility to assist a loved one with an addiction will be easier with the assistance of a mental health professional, too. Turning to a professional for your own wellbeing will afford you access to an expert you can trust for recommendations about what, if anything to do in the situation, as well as potential assistance if the time comes.
Do you feel like you’d like to help someone you love with an addiction? If you live in the greater Cleveland area and would like to talk about assessing your own mental health and learning about resources for treating addiction, please contact us at the Center for Effective Living. Outside the Cleveland area, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has the following recommendations:
Resources For Locating A Mental Health Professional
The following sources may help you locate a mental health professional or treatment facility to meet your needs:
- NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates – Speaking with NAMI members (individuals living with mental illness and family members) can be a good way to exchange information about mental health professionals in your local community. You can find your state or local NAMI organization at nami.org.
- Primary Care Physician (PCP) – Your primary physician or pediatrician is an excellent resource for making recommendations and referrals to a mental health specialist or therapist in your area.
- Your Insurance Provider – Contact your insurance company for a list of mental health care providers included in your insurance plan.
- American Psychiatric Association (APA) – The APA can give you names of APA members in your area. Find your state branch online, consult your local phone book or call (703) 907-7300.
- Psychiatry department at local teaching hospital or medical school.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – NASW has an online directory of clinical social workers. Visit socialworkers.org and click on Resources or call (202) 408-8600.
- American Psychological Association (APA) – The APA can refer to local psychologists by calling 1 (800) 374-2721.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services – SAMHSA has an online database of mental health and substance abuse services and facilities in each state. Visit www.samhsa.gov/treatment and click on Mental Health Services Locator.