It takes remarkable courage to give up an addiction and enter a state of recovery. Learning new coping mechanisms requires letting go of the power to numb uncomfortable feelings like depression, anxiety, and grief. It is a difficult voyage that cannot be undertaken by one person. Family is a very important part of the whole healing process. A deeper link and trust that may have never existed before can develop if loved ones are willing to put in the hard work with their child, partner, sibling, parent, or friend. Here are four suggestions for giving your loved one a sense of support throughout their rehabilitation process.
Stay Positive
With a positive outlook and an expression of your faith in the likelihood of recovery, support your loved one’s desire to seek therapy. Do not question your loved one’s commitment to sobriety or bring up their past transgressions. People who are in recovery and have addiction disorders are aware of their prior transgressions and frequently experience severe remorse and humiliation for them. They develop hope for a brighter future with the use of constructive encouragement. Consider going to a support group for family members of addicts if you’re feeling overburdened by the situation. Those groups can offer a secure setting where you can express your feelings without jeopardizing your loved one’s efforts to recover. Another approach to expressing your feelings without adding to the tension at home is journaling.
Take Part In Their Treatment As Well
Your loved one may be required to undergo comprehensive therapy for a considerable amount of time depending on the type of condition and the severity of the disorder or addiction. Holding them responsible for the objectives they’ve set as well as supplying essential assistance in day-to-day activities once they return home are some of the significant ways that you can get involved. But keep in mind that addiction is a family disease, and there are steps you can take on your own to best support your loved one. Plan to visit your loved one while they are receiving treatment, and after they return home, volunteer to transport them to meetings, and organize family counseling sessions both while they are receiving treatment and after they return. This contributes to raising awareness about how the condition or addiction may have impacted family dynamics. Participate in family support groups. Support groups are an excellent way to get advice on how to look after yourself while you’re recovering. Support groups can also teach you how to quit condoning addictive behavior. Take part in your own private therapy.
Get Educated About Substance Use Disorder
It is reasonable and typical for someone watching from the sidelines and trying to support a loved one to feel sentiments of dread, worry, and wrath. The more knowledgeable you are, as with any other chronic condition, the more you will be able to support them. By pursuing higher education, you may benefit both yourself and those around you. Learn more about drug use disorders, interventions, treatment options, and the correct usage of certain mental health terms. Additionally, be aware that this is not the time to nag or criticize your loved one about what they ought to have done in the past or how things could have been done more effectively. Seek advice from a specialist on how to talk to your loved one about their drug use so they can receive the right care. Numerous resources in our community provide advocates that can guide you on how to go about doing this. They can also describe the range of therapeutic alternatives available for your loved one, many of which involve family members and other backers.
Keep Your Home Substance Free
Being around alcohol and addictive substances can be quite challenging for someone who is just beginning their recovery. Remove alcohol and drug items from your home to avoid the temptation that isn’t essential. Keep any prescription medications you are taking, especially opioid painkillers with the potential to be abused, out of your loved one’s reach and in a safe place. The best way to keep your home substance-free is to stay away from media like glamorized or light-hearted music videos, television shows, and movies. Your loved one may feel uncomfortable if you make jokes about being drunk or high. References to the use of addictive substances for entertainment and relaxation also minimize the harm that addiction may do.
The ability of a person to go forward in their lives can be positively and long-lastingly impacted by family engagement in the healing process. Families and friends will be able to support their loved ones on the road to recovery if they are aware of what is required to maintain their well-being on both a mental and physical level.
