The best way to help your loved ones through an addiction depends on a lot, including the kind of addiction the person has. Perhaps the largest factor here is your standpoint. If you really are prepared to help, then you're already halfway to success. After this, there are a few things you must be sure to do.

Know their Addiction

Knowledge is power and knowing the basics of their addiction will help you know how to approach them. Learn the science behind it. Find out what their body is going through. Learn about what kind of people generally fall prey to that specific drug, etc. You may find that either you or your loved one is need of professional help, and you obviously can't figure out exactly who to go to or hire unless you know exactly what the problem is.

Stop Enabling

The family needs to come together to collectively take a stand to stop giving the addicted person money, a place to stay and any other excuses. This will be tough, but you must stick together. No one can recover from an addiction without hitting bottom, and they may not ever experience that unless you help them out. Furthermore, cutting them off might make it physically impossible for them to continue their addiction. Without money, it'll be a lot harder to use. However, you should be prepared for the possibility of an outburst or violence, depending on the drug they are using. Also communicate that you won't hesitate to contact the authorities if necessary.

Time For Rehab

It may be that your loved one needs intensive professional help, and the only place they can get it is in rehab. This is a huge step, but it's the most effective. Normally, rehab is at least 28 days, but a stay may often need to be longer. The success rate for rehabilitated addicts varies, with the main reason for relapse being going back to the same (drug-infected) environment. If your loved one chooses to enter rehab, you must be supportive. Don't press them about their job. Be willing to water plants, watch their children/pets, etc. Furthermore, when they leave, you must do what you can to support them even more. As long as they are clean, you should offer what you can (never offer money though) - a bed, food, etc. This is especially important, because they must not be allowed to return home, since it is likely very easy to lapse into their old lifestyle there. They must also continue to go to meetings and be surrounded by a support group - you can be supportive, but they must surround themselves with like-minded individuals. If they are committed to this and to staying clean, there's no reason you can't commit to helping them out in any other way you can.

Show Appreciation

When an addict makes it through the fog of addiction, they normally tend to feel ashamed and guilty for their past behavior. You should let them know that you still love them. Assure them that it was the drugs and not them, and make it known that you understand and believe this.This is very important, because these nagging thoughts of shame and failure can drive your loved one back to taking drugs. It is a long road from this terrible disease, but with your love and support, they can make it through!

Jeff Andrews writes about health, nutrition & more at http://www.boatinsurance.org/