The old “put the oxygen mask on yourself first before you can help anyone else” is so very true when it comes to dealing with the complex, emotionally painful, exhausting, frustrating, overwhelming disease of addiction. This means:

• Place your physical safety first. If you are in danger of physical harm or abuse, remove yourself from the situation at least temporarily.. This includes not getting in the car if the driver is drunk or high.

Whatever you are experiencing, there are others who have gone through the same thing. You can find them online or in-person at every hour of the day in AlAnon or NarAnon meetings. These meetings are non-confrontational, anonymous, and free. Just listening to others who have been where you are share their experience, strength, and hope is powerful and affirming.

If there was a quick, easy way to “make” someone change their behavior - well, that would be scary. Engaging in single handed combat with the disease of addiction can leave you bloodied, battered, and hopeless. However, there are more and more resources available every day for those who suffer from addiction.