Losing someone is always difficult, but when the loss is related to addiction, the range of emotions you may feel might make grieving even more challenging. After the funeral services are complete, there’s still work to do to deal with the loss. The information below may help you come to terms with your feelings.

How to Grieve a Loss From Addiction

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

You will likely cycle through a spectrum of emotions, and it’s vital to acknowledge them as they come. Pushing away your feelings might make them build up and become overwhelming.

Since addiction carries a stigma, you might wish to avoid the topic, particularly in public. Instead, speak openly about what happened and how it makes you feel, whether that’s angry, sad, numb, or frustrated. All emotions are valid.

2. Realize Addiction Is a Disease

Many people don’t understand addiction, questioning how their loved ones would fall into drugs or alcohol so deeply.

If you have trouble empathizing with the condition, remember that it’s a disease. It is chronic and often comes with tangible physical symptoms.

3. Take Your Time

Healing after a loss takes time. Give yourself a chance to grieve before jumping back into your regular routine.

Avoid making major decisions until your mind is more at ease. Communicate with employers honestly and find out what options you have for taking time off work. Spend time with family and discuss your emotions to process feelings as a united front.

4. Seek Support

Support groups can be highly beneficial. Those in attendance typically have similar experiences and might understand your feelings.

If an in-person group is not an option, there are online addiction-centered discussions to join. Alternatively, schedule a telemedicine appointment with a therapist for individual counseling.

5. Raise Awareness

Raising awareness can provide a healthy output for your grief. Helping other families deal with loved ones in similar situations can make your loss educational and potentially preventive.

Ways to create awareness include creating a tribute or foundation in your loved one’s name, and getting involved in substance abuse programs and policy changes about treatment.

If you need funeral services for a lost loved one, turn to Arndt Funeral Home LLC. Located in Rochester, NY, this family-owned funeral home has provided arrangements since 1975. Their compassionate and attentive staff offers a range of options to help you create a beautiful and meaningful memorial. Call (585) 225-6350 to start planning a funeral service, or visit them online for more grief resources.