Strategies for Addiction

Living with addiction is challenging for anyone, and when combined with autism, it can be even more complex. However, there are strategies that can help an autistic person cope with addiction and work towards recovery. It’s essential to remember that each person’s journey is unique, so finding the right combination of strategies may require some trial and error.

Sarah Hendrickx explains some useful strategies for supporting someone with substance misuse or addiction.

General strategies that may be beneficial: 

• Seek Professional Help: Reach out to healthcare providers or therapists who have experience working with both autism and addiction. They can provide personalised guidance and support, taking into account the specific needs, strengths and challenges of the individual. 
• Education and Self-awareness: Help the individual understand autism and their addiction and how it affects them personally. Encouraging self-awareness can be empowering and aid in recognising early warning signs of relapse and help identify other ways of coping. 
• Create a Structured Routine: Autistic people often thrive in structured environments. Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of predictability and stability, which may be helpful in managing addiction. 
• Identify Triggers: Help the person identify triggers that lead to addictive behaviours. This could include certain situations, emotions, or sensory experiences. Once the triggers are recognised, steps can be taken to avoid or cope with them more effectively. 
• Develop Coping Skills: Teach and encourage the individual to use healthier coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anxiety, or sensory overload. This might include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or engaging in preferred activities that provide a positive outlet. 
• Social Support: Encourage the person to seek social support from understanding and empathetic friends, family members, or support groups. Social connections can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. 
• Set Realistic Goals: Break down recovery into manageable steps and celebrate small achievements along the way. Setting realistic goals can boost motivation and self-esteem. 
• Medication and Treatment: Depending on the individual’s situation, medication and specialised addiction treatment programs might be beneficial. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate approach. 
• Safety Measures: If the young person is at risk of harm due to the addiction, assess if implementing safety measures, such as removing or reducing access to addictive substances or activities would be beneficial. 

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It may not be beneficial to remove or reduce access to the addictive substance or activity until alternative coping strategies and routines have been established. Remember the child or young person is possibly using the addictive substance or activity to cope with life – taking that away without replacing it with something of equal effect may cause more harm or stress to the young person. 

• Family Education and Support: Educate family members and close friends about autism and addiction, helping them understand the challenges the individual faces. Family support can play a crucial role in the recovery process. 
• Be Patient and Non-judgmental: Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur. It’s essential to be patient and supportive, avoiding judgment or criticism. 
• Remember that seeking professional help is critical, and the strategies employed will depend on the severity of the addiction, the young person’s specific needs, and any co-occurring conditions. Customising the approach to suit the autistic person’s strengths and challenges will be vital in promoting a successful recovery journey. 

Sarah Hendrickx speaking about the challenges and barriers of support.

Sarah Hendrickx discussing the importance of finding the right support