We all want what is best for our loved ones, no matter the vices that may grip them. But what do you do if your spouse or best friend displays violent behaviour? What if you know they are addicted to alcohol or drugs as well?
If you leave them to carry on in the same way, your loved one’s behaviour may deteriorate to the point where they harm themselves or others, especially if their initial violent conduct is fuelled by emotional dysregulation.
Emotional dysregulation can cause a person to develop an addiction. An existing addiction can also exacerbate emotional dysregulation.
If you want to help your loved one break free from this vicious cycle, it is important to understand the link between the two.
How to Recognize Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation is a condition that causes people to experience intense, prolonged emotional responses that are often out of proportion to the situation that triggers them.
If you notice your loved one struggling to control their emotions or displaying impulsive behaviour, they may suffer from emotional dysregulation.
Unfortunately, this condition is also associated with mental health concerns. This means your loved one may be suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or PTSD.
It is important to look out for the following signs of emotional dysregulation to know when to intervene:
- Intense mood swings
- Inability to control anger
- Strange or impulsive behaviour
- Vocal suicidal thoughts or signs of self-harm
If you notice one or more of these signs, you should also look for signs of addiction.
Recognizing Addiction
It is not always easy to recognise addiction, especially during the early stages. But there are some subtle and common signs to watch for.
- Changes in behaviour or routines: Sometimes, those suffering from addiction withdraw from all social interactions or stay away from work.
- Withdrawal symptoms: This includes physical discomfort, pain, tremors, etc.
- Denial: If you confront your loved one, they will likely refuse to acknowledge they have an addiction problem. They may also downplay the severity of the situation.
- Consequences: Your loved one may suffer financial troubles or legal issues because of their addiction.
- Hiding substance abuse: You may find hidden alcohol bottles or empty pill containers in your loved one’s home.
Addiction is a complex disease with many more symptoms than those listed above. Combined with emotional dysregulation, addiction can evolve into a situation beyond your and your loved one’s control.
The Interplay Between Emotional Dysregulation and Addiction
Emotional dysregulation is known to contribute to addiction in several ways. Your loved one may turn to alcohol or drugs because they cannot get control of their overwhelming emotions any other way.
This could turn into an unbreakable addiction that will physically impact your loved one. Even worse, it will make their uncontrolled emotions seem even stronger.
Ongoing substance abuse may also cause emotional dysregulation. If your loved one abuses alcohol or drugs, it may cause them to experience severe mood swings or violent outbursts. The longer they use these substances, the more it will affect their mental health as well.
The only way to help your loved one is to ensure they get treatment for both emotional dysregulation and their addiction.
How to Help Your Loved One
You cannot effectively help a struggling loved one if you do not know what they are going through. You must educate yourself by learning more about dysregulation and addiction. If you understand the basics of these conditions, offering support and finding professional help will be easier.
It is also crucial to encourage professional help whenever you get the chance. Try to motivate your loved one to seek help from a professional institution that employs qualified medical personnel and therapists or counsellors.
Never blame your loved one for the situation they are in. You must understand that emotional dysregulation and addiction are conditions that need to be managed.
Do not be tempted to bring up old habits or ‘I told you so’s.’ Finding help for your loved one means allowing them to recover while providing unconditional support.
Let your loved one know you can help them whenever they need you. At the same time, you must also protect your own mental and emotional well-being. You cannot help your loved one if you are burned out.
Therapies and Treatment
You also cannot help your loved one all on your own. They will need a combination of several therapies and, possibly, medications to get them on the road to recovery. These include the following:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: CBT will help your loved one identify and work through negative thought patterns. If they can avoid thinking negative thoughts, it will help take their focus away from alcohol and drugs.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy: DBT is another option to help your loved one focus on mindfulness and regulating emotions. DBT is often remarkably effective for those suffering from borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation.
- Medication-assisted treatment: MAT combines certain medications with behavioural therapy to treat substance use disorders. This can also help your loved one with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Group therapy: Sometimes, those suffering from addiction need a supportive environment, especially at the beginning of their recovery. Group therapy can provide this environment.
- Complementary therapies: Suffering from emotional dysregulation and addiction is extremely taxing on the body. Complementary therapies like yoga and meditation can help manage excessive stress and promote emotional well-being.
The support provided at a rehabilitation facility must be carried through to your loved one’s home when they complete their recovery process. Help them stay on the right track by encouraging them to eat healthy and get enough sleep.
Also, avoid enabling behaviours. Do not give in to pleas for alcohol, drugs, or money. Instead, refer to your loved one’s aftercare plan (provided by the rehab centre) to find out how to help them, or contact the facility to ask for advice.
It is crucial to have a relapse prevention plan in place that outlines strategies your loved one can follow should they experience triggers or cravings. Always encourage them to reach out for help when they are struggling.
HARP Can Help Get Your Loved One On the Road to Recovery
Hills & Ranges Private provides all the therapies and medical interventions your loved one needs to break free from emotional dysregulation and addiction. The facility uses a balanced approach to help all patients recover and stay sober.
