“Love is often difficult to show, especially when it results in pain. When someone we love abuses alcohol or other drugs that are harmful, choose behaviors that are wrong, our tendency is to help him out of his problems because we love him…The problem drinker [and other addicts] must experience for himself the consequences of his drinking [or addiction]…The object is not to be vengeful, but rather to motivate him to receive the help he needs to overcome his problem. By showing “tough-love,” we do what is best for him. Circumstances and inescapable choices motivate change. Threats only cause a problem drinker [or other addicts] to make promises that he seldom keeps. (Resource Manual for Helping Families with Alcohol Problems, LDS Church, 1984 pg 99.)
A general rule for those wishing to be helpful is: Do nothing to alleviate the pain of an addict! (Hold On To Hope., P 102.)
No comments:
Post a Comment