WeBe Life

Parental misuse of alcohol and drugs affects children in negative ways. Substance misuse puts children at an increased risk of neglect and emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Abuse might occur by the parent or because the child becomes more vulnerable to abuse by others. . The impact on children can include: . Physical and emotional abuse or neglect as a result of inadequate supervision, poor role models, and inappropriate parenting. . Behavioral, emotional, or cognitive problems and relationship difficulties. . Taking on the role of caretaker for parents and siblings. . Blaming themselves for their parent’s substance misuse. . Infrequent attendance at school and poor educational performance. . Living in poverty and inadequate or unsafe conditions. . Exposure to toxic substances and criminal activities. . Separation from parents due to parent imprisonment, hospitalization or intervention from children’s services. . Increased risk of developing drug or alcohol problems or offending behavior themselves. . . . Some things relatives can do to help children who have an addicted parent: . 1. Meet Basic Needs: Ensure that the child’s everyday needs are met. This includes providing food, clothes, shoes, toiletries, a bed, and other essentials. . 2. Establishing Stability and Routines: Children thrive in stable environments with predictable routines. Establish consistent daily routines for the child, such as bedtime, homework time, and chores. . 3. Open and Honest Communication: Protecting a child you care about from the impact of having a drug-addicted parent involves fostering open and honest communication, tailored to their age and understanding. . 4. Maintain Respect for the Parent - Avoid negative talk about the parent in front of the child, as it can harm their self-esteem and cause confusion. . 5. Seek Professional Counseling for the Child: Living with an addicted parent can be traumatic, increasing the risk of mental health issues. Counseling offers a safe space for children to heal. . 6. Build a Supportive Community: Joining support groups specifically designed for relatives – grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings - raising children can be transformative. . Reach out to extended family members who can provide logistical support, such as pick-ups and drop-offs, or offer babysitting services. . Protecting a child from a drug-addicted parent takes love, strength, and resilience. We can help by providing stability, open communication, and respect. Seek counseling, build a support system, and practice self-care. Together, we can create a safe environment for our 9jakids. Remember, support is available—reach out! #Protect9jaKids . If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa

Setting a clear boundary and letting go of an addicted loved one can be hard. No longer providing them with money or shelter can be painful.  But setting that boundary may help them realize that they are going to lose the relationship with you if they don’t get treatment. . Loving someone with a drug addiction is different for each of us - but there are similarities. One common experience is the realization that the person’s drug use takes precedence over everything, even you. This is a painful realization,  but an addict’s physical and psychological need for the drug drives everything. . Sadly, individuals who are severely addicted might lie, cheat, and steal to get what they feel they need, no matter how wrong the behavior is. There isn't much you can do to change this behavior as long as they are using it. They might also manipulate you to serve their purposes. They aren’t manipulating to hurt you but will do whatever they need to do to get drugs or alcohol without thought to the consequences. . If you see these behaviors, it’s time to stop enabling and set strong consequences. This might mean denying them a place to sleep after another night of heavy drinking – or not lying to cover if they’re caught with drugs by the authorities. . It's time to let go of an addict when: . 1. They’ve refused treatment and continue to use drugs despite the damage they are doing. . 2. Their behavior poses a threat to you or your loved ones. . 3. Your attempts to help this person have put your life or the lives of others in danger. . 4. Your financial stability is threatened by your repeated attempts to help this person. . 5. You or your loved ones are struggling with physical or mental health issues as a result of the person’s drug use, such as depression, anxiety, rage, or other issues. . Avoid ultimatums and threats but be clear about the consequences should they refuse to get addiction treatment. This may include not being able to live in your home or ending the relationship entirely. . HELPLINE NIGERIA: NDLEA English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. The helpline is open 24/7. To call:  0800 1020 3040 . If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #toughlove #9ja #love #family #ndlea

9jayouth and children are Nigeria's greatest resource. Our children and teens will grow up to be the leaders of tomorrow. Too many of our 9jayouth are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and the numbers are increasing. . If we can identify youth drug use early, and connect those in need to help, they stand a better chance at recovery and living a healthy life. Sometimes youth show behaviors during adolescence that may seem like normal signs of growing up and rebelling – but they may be signs of substance abuse. It is important to take note of certain changes in behavior – especially if they occur suddenly or are extreme. The following behaviors might indicate drug or alcohol abuse: 1. Mood changes (temper flare-ups, irritability, defensiveness). . 2. Academic problems (poor attendance, low grades, disciplinary action). . 3. Changing friends and a reluctance to have parents/family get to know the new friends. . 4. A "nothing matters" attitude (lack of involvement in former interests, general low energy). . 5. Finding substances (drugs or alcohol) in the youth’s room or personal effects. . 6. Physical or mental changes (memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, slurred speech) . Warning signs indicate that there may be a problem that should be explored. Even if your child or teen is not abusing drugs, these signs suggest they may be struggling emotionally and need additional support. . If you suspect that a youth is abusing substances, talk with them to better understand the situation. If you remain concerned, you can have them screened for substance use by a professional (e.g., school counselor, social worker, psychologist). If there is no evidence of drug use/abuse, contact the child’s primary healthcare physician to rule out a physical or emotional concern. If formal intervention is necessary, local substance abuse professionals can be contacted. You can also learn more about screening tools, prevention efforts, and treatments. . Child Help-Line is dedicated to providing free, compassionate, and confidential support over phone and text messages (SMS). We are here to help youth in Nigeria who may be looking for support with all topics. Call/TXT: 0808 0551376 or Alt # 08090927555, online www.hdinigeria.org . If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #save9jayouth #gethelpnow #9ja

Sometimes our loved ones behave in ways that seem out of character, and we don’t know why. Unusual or concerning behavior could be an early warning sign of drug use. . People who develop problems with drugs start by misusing prescribed medications or as recreational users of illegal substances, but then need increasingly higher and more frequent doses to feel the effects. At some point, they take drugs just to function, and before long, they can’t get through the day without the drug. . #warningsigns of drug addiction include: . 1. Increased use of a prescribed drug (any amount greater than prescribed). . 2. Using regularly, either daily or even several times a day. . 3. Not being able to stop their drug use. . 4. Spending money on the drug, even if they can’t afford it. . 5. Feeling like they need the drug to deal with everyday problems. . 6. Focusing large amounts of time and energy on getting and using the drug. . 7. Changes in sleeping or eating habits. . 8. Loss of interest in sex. . 9. Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance . 10. Mood swings . HELPLINE NIGERIA: NDLEA English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. Importantly, the helpline is open 24/7 0800 1020 3040 . If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #stopdrugdeaths #warningsigns #gethelpnow #gethelp #9ja

Setting boundaries allows us to feel secure and healthy in our relationships at work and home. In short, boundaries show others how we want to be treated. . Types of boundaries: • Emotional: protecting your emotional well-being • Physical: protecting your physical space • Sexual: protecting your sexual needs and safety • Workplace: protecting your work-life balance • Material: protecting your personal belongings • Time: protecting the use and misuse of your time . How To Set Boundaries. . At the heart of boundary setting is respect. Respect yourself and your relationships enough to understand and clearly communicate your needs. You'll be better and healthier for it. . Boundaries don't set themselves. If you discover a boundary or a line that's been crossed, communicate your needs clearly and respectfully. . Boundaries also evolve and change, just as relationships do. Take time to reflect on your boundaries and adjust as needed. . Remember that upholding your boundaries is important. But make sure you're also thoughtful about respecting others' boundaries. . For Help and Support, join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhopeproject #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #9jafamilytherapy #gethelpnow #9ja

"Every night you don't return to me sober, I weave another thread into my tapestry of love, for one day you will see the strength I've found in my patience". . Loving someone with an alcohol and/or drug addiction is not an easy journey. It can be filled with uncertainty, fear, and heartbreak. But within the chaos and pain, hope and love can help loved ones continue to support and encourage the person with the addiction. . WeBe Life Foundation would like to use this post to celebrate those who never give up on their loved ones - the spouses, parents, siblings, children, and friends who continue to show love even in the darkest moments of addiction. Here are some quotes to help those facing addiction together, heal. . • "I don't love you in spite of your addiction, I love you and acknowledge that your recovery is only a testament to the strength of our connection". . • "It's not the addiction I love; it's the spirit, untouched by substances, that still yearns for us to be". . • "I count days not with calendars but with memories; it's been 62 memories since I've seen you without the shadow of addiction hanging over your eyes". . • "Addiction is the storm that tests if our love is a lighthouse, strong against the tides, promising safety". . • "You are not your addiction; to me, you are the symphony of reasons to hope, and that melody keeps me company in your absence". . • "I don't just love you; I love the idea of us. And I won't let that promise be dimmed by temporary afflictions". . • "Letting go is not an option – I choose to hold on tighter, carry your burdens when they are too heavy, and remind you of the beauty addiction has marred". . • "In the battlefields of addiction, you were my soldier; it's my turn now to fight for your freedom and help you heal". . • "Addiction is the dark alley you walked into alone; it's my job to be the light that guides your way back to me". . • "Our love is a garden, and where there's addiction, weeds grow. But I am the cultivator; I'll keep tending to the blooms of our love, waiting for you to join me in smelling the flowers". . For Help and Support, join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . Nigeria Help Line: Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) online at vgadanigeria@gmail.com 24-hour Help Line +234 706 3222 217 . . #healwithhopeproject #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #9jafamilytherapy #gethelpnow #9ja

When someone is involved in substance misuse and addiction, it affects the entire family. When a person enters treatment, the family’s pain and confusion don’t just stop. . How do the family members move past the damage that has occurred? How does the family strengthen the ties that hold them together? . Family therapy is one answer. . Family therapy involves the entire family meeting together. Therapists don’t decide who should be in family therapy. Instead, they ask, “Who are the most important people to you?” You choose who gets to be ‘family’. . There are two main goals of family therapy. One is to help everyone provide support to the family member in treatment so that recovery continues and relapse is avoided. The other goal is to improve and strengthen everyone's emotional health so that each family member can thrive. . Family therapy isn’t always easy but the outcome is worth it. Family therapy is an effective way to help the person in treatment, and also helping the family as a whole. . For Help and Support, join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . Nigeria Help Line: The Freudian Centre 24hrs Hotline +234 809 600 0075 or online at info@freudiancentre.com . . #healwithhopeproject #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #9jafamilytherapy #gethelpnow #9ja

Fighting drug and alcohol addiction is challenging. Unfortunately, the person struggling with addiction is usually the last one to think they need #help. Loved ones can take steps to encourage someone who misuses substances to get the help they need. Having a direct, heart-to-heart conversation can start the road to recovery but if your loved one is in denial, you may need to join forces with others and take action through a formal intervention. An intervention is a carefully planned process for family and friends who work with a doctor or other health care professional, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. These counselors are also called Addiction Professionals. Working with an addiction professional, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or interventionist, can help you organize an effective intervention plan. An addiction professional will assess the situation and suggest the best approach. They can guide you to what type of treatment and follow-up plan is likely to work best. For Help and Support, join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dTt6KwhJ Nigeria Help Line: Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) online at vgadanigeria@gmail.com  24-hour Help Line +234 706 3222 217 . . #healwithhopeproject #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #9jafamilytherapy #gethelpnow #9ja

Substance abuse treatment options can be confusing. Simplifying choices may help someone struggling with addiction decide to get #help. Finding the right addiction treatment early can be a lifeline for those who are in need. Here are some 5 options for treating people with addiction. 1. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medication alongside counseling and behavioral therapy. 2. Motivational Interviewing encourages the individual to commit to the process of treatment. The counselor works to help them meet their goals, rather than trying to force them to comply. 3. Support and Encouragement Through Group Therapy Group therapy allows participants to get support from peers as they discuss their unique experiences with addiction. 4. Individual Addiction Therapy Individual counseling sessions offer a personalized approach to addiction treatment. 5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to address the root of the destructive thoughts that cause and support addiction. CBT helps the user make connections between their feelings, thoughts, and actions. CRISIS LINE NIGERIA: The SURPIN (Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative) Helpline is a 24-hour hotline that offers counseling, support, and referral services to Nigerians who are depressed, anxious, abusing substances, or who are thinking of taking their own lives. www.surpinng.com, or call 080 0078 7746 If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #gethelphere #treatment9ja #gethelpnow #9ja

Drug and alcohol addiction is destructive for users and their loved ones. People who become dependent on drugs and alcohol usually can't stop on their own. Most need a rehabilitation program - many need a push to get the help they deserve. That's where an intervention can help. . An intervention is a meeting where family and friends have a calm and open conversation with their loved one about their substance misuse - and ask their loved one to accept treatment. . Interventions focus on these goals: Awareness - Open their loved one's eyes to the effect their substance misuse has on family and friends. . Motivation – Help their loved one agree they have a problem and need help. . Action plan - Create a strategy for recovery with step-by-step goals and guidelines. . Accountability - Gently but firmly explain what each friend or family member will do if the loved one refuses treatment. For example, friends might stress they won't participate if their loved one wants "a drink or two to unwind" after work. . HELPLINE NIGERIA: NDLEA English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. NOTE: The helpline is open 24/7. A call to the helpline, 0800 1020 3040. . If you or someone you know needs #Help. Reach out to join our online community, Heal with Hope: Naija Community at https://lnkd.in/dcGcJvSa . . #healwithhope #save9jafamilies #9jaintervention #HelpNow #gethelphere #gethelpnow #9ja WeBe Life Foundation