From tough love to interventions, what works when a loved one is struggling with addiction?

Professor Nicole Lee and psychologist Paul Ross have written an article for The Conversation titled “From tough love to interventions, what works when a loved one is struggling with addiction?” The article critically examines some approaches that while common in popular culture, are unlikely to be effective. The “tough love” approach - whereby a person with a substance use disorder is treated harshly by a loved one in an attempt to convince them to change - is unlikely to be successful. Similarly, concepts like “enabling” - whereby family members are blamed for not using a “tough love” approach - is little more than a cliche. Instead, approaches that aim to set boundaries, improve communication, and focus on self-care can help families to better support a loved one experiencing a substance use disorder.

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