The media is filled with news of celebrities with addiction problems. Whilst some celebrities like British comic Russell Brand are lucky to successfully overcome their problems and embark on their careers, for others the battle still lingers on. There are however many stories of Hollywood stars that have not yet managed to deal with their addictions.

This month, the public is once again reminded of the dangers of addictions, as the renowned singer Pete Doherty, prepares to return to court for sentencing on May 20. According to the entertainment network RTE, Judge David Radford warns that his "unattractive" criminal record may mean a third jail sentence even though he was granted unconditional bail. This is just one example of how a life can be ruined through addictive behaviours and failure to deal with a personal problem.

In the meantime many of us are caught up in day to day pressures and challenges brought on by addiction. We feel helpless and constantly worried about our loved ones. Some of us become protective and make excuses and cover ups for them. We feel guilty when we do or don’t give into their demands for money and become resentful and judgemental. Whatever our circumstances, it is difficult to know how to behave towards an addicted person.

In her blog on the ewomens network, Candace Plattor, M.A., R.C.C. observes that: ‘learning how to deal with reality is the most important first step in ‘surviving’ when you love an addicted person.’ It means that once you accept that your loved one is addicted and that they need help, you are one step closer to sorting things out.

Finding the right treatment that suits you can be a challenge as there are many ways of treating addiction conditions. It will require some research on your part. Many of us these days are looking online for services and are finding some good impartial advice. But the trick is to know where and how to look.

A good place to start is finding referrals from reputable sites that have recognisable approval from body organisations. Some people may be looking for local services that offer residential therapy whilst others may be looking for ‘non local’ services. Other treatments are based on family therapy models and require the involvement of family members. You may need to make arrangements for your time prior to the treatment.

Whether it is a combination of programmes or structured day in treatments you are after, the important thing to remember is that you are closer to a solution.