The media recently announced that CBS has canceled production of its popular Two and a Half Men series for the remainder of the season, reportedly due to star Charlie Sheen's substance abuse and addiction issues. There are an estimated 23 million people with addiction issues in the United States, so Mr. Sheen's family, friends and coworkers are likely experiencing what many across America contend with every day. Addiction of any kind is a serious disease that affects not only the addict, but those around him or her.
Angela Gross, Masters Addiction Counselor at Parkridge Valley Hospital, explains: "It is important for people to understand that addiction is a disease — it is not a choice. Addiction is the result of a host of genetic and environmental factors, much like diabetes or heart disease." She also points out that many people are mistaken as to the real definition of addiction. "Addiction is really about a loss of control for the addict — when it no longer becomes a choice as to whether or not he or she will take drugs or drink alcohol. People can be classified as addicted when they have become so used to a given substance or behavior that they cannot function without it." Addiction can be physical as well as mental, and in some cases may be a combination of the two.
Friends and family of those who suffer from addiction may experience issues of their own — feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, and helplessness are all common for those who are coping with the addictive behaviors of a loved one. Gross offers the following tips for those who may be dealing with an addict:
- Accept that you cannot change your loved one's behaviors. "Try to remember that this is a disease, and you can't cure someone with addiction any more than you could cure someone with cancer," says Gross.
- Learn all you can about the disease. "Understanding your loved one's condition may help to ease negative feelings," notes Gross.
- Consider joining a support group. There are a number of organizations committed to helping family and friends of alcoholics and addicts. "You may find it helpful to learn that there are others going through the same situation and that you are not alone in your struggle," says Gross. "These groups can also teach you healthier ways to handle situations that may arise when dealing with an addict, so that you can minimize your emotional or physical distress."
- Seek professional counseling. "A trained therapist can help individuals and/families find solutions and set boundaries. They can also provide mediation for difficult conversations so that everyone can function in the healthiest way possible."
- Above all, take care of yourself. "Do everything you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle," advises Gross. "Get adequate rest and eat regular healthy meals, and practice stress-reducing techniques whenever you can. After all, you can't help anyone else if you are run-down."
If you or a loved one suffer from addiction, there are many resources available for those who need help. Staffed by mental health professionals and psychiatric nurses, Parkridge Valley's RESPOND program offers confidential assessment and consultation for emotional/addictive disorder problems and can provide referrals to outpatient, partial or inpatient care based on each individual's treatment needs. In addition, RESPOND offers information on support services for families of those suffering from mental illness and other mental health concerns. For more information, call (423) 499-2300.