How to Support Someone in Recovery
When a loved one is going through treatment at an addiction recovery facility, their family is often hard-hit. Because of an addict’s self-centeredness, their actions directly influence family members, often in an extremely negative, wrenching way. Active addicts may steal from family members in order to buy drugs, or say horrible things. They may even be physically violent. Although an addict’s behavior is reprehensible, many family members still want a relationship with them. With the long road of recovery ahead, the person in recovery needs the solid support and love of their family to help them. But how can family members provide that support?
It may feel impossible, but during early recovery, family members should begin with acceptance and forgiveness. This doesn’t mean that the person in recovery gets a free pass to act however they’d like, and it doesn’t mean that they don’t need to regain your trust. What forgiveness ultimately means is that you are choosing, day by day, to let go of your resentment toward your loved one. Instead, you’re deliberately moving forward with positivity and hope. Again, forgiveness doesn’t mean that you should be naive, or that you and your loved one will suddenly have a rock-solid relationship again, but it’s the first step in a long road, and acceptance is usually what people desperately need after going through an addiction treatment center.
On a practical note, remove all substances and potential temptations from the home. Get rid of any alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia that may still be in the house. It’s possible your loved one hid stashes of drugs or alcohol, and it’s crucial to find and remove these stashes. Create a supportive environment free from reminders of drug abuse.
If possible, attend support groups and meetings for family members of recovering addicts in order to learn more about addiction. These groups may help you understand what’s going on in your loved one’s head so you can better respond to them. In addition, these groups can offer support and comfort, and help you connect with others who empathize with your situation. If you take care of yourself and your pain, you’ll be better equipped to help your loved one with theirs.
Finally, offer a listening ear. Try not to be judgmental or preachy; rather, let your loved one speak or ramble on. For many in recovery, they have so much pain they need to express that they need at least one sympathetic listener. If nothing else, sit with them in the pain and the storm.
If you suspect that a family member is addicted to drugs or alcohol, please contact our empathetic and compassionate representatives right away. Those suffering from addiction need treatment in drug rehab, and our luxury drug rehab program will help your loved one to recover from the disease of addiction in the utmost of comfort. After going through detox, clients will learn coping mechanisms and practical skills to help them achieve and maintain sobriety. Please make the call today to ensure your loved one builds a firm foundation of lifelong recovery.
