It can be heartbreaking and difficult to see your loved one battling addiction. And, surely nothing can make you happier than seeing them undergoing recovery treatment. However, remember that your support and encouragement can significantly help them adhere to the treatment. It will motivate them to continue their journey towards sobriety.
Below, we have talked about ways to support your family members in recovery.
1. Show non-judgmental love and support- Usually, people in recovery feel that their friends and family are judging them, which might hinder their recovery. Therefore, you must let them know you care for them and respect their efforts to stay sober.
Since recovery is a long-term process, at some point, your loved one may lack the motivation to continue the treatment. In such situations, it would be essential for you to express your unconditional love and support towards them vocally.
2. Encourage your loved one to maintain healthy habits- Your loved one struggling with addiction must be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy during their recovery journey. You should encourage them to exercise/workout regularly, indulge in self-care routines and practices, and take part in healthy activities.
3. Create a sobriety conducive environment- You should create an environment around them that encourages sobriety. Avoid bringing any substances into the house, especially when they have just started recovering. Also, avoid inviting them to any event where alcohol will be served. You should engage in fun, sober activities with them so that they can continue on their path to recovery.
4. Educate yourself on addiction- It is pretty common for addicts to relapse during recovery. Therefore, you must educate yourself about addiction to understand and deal with any relapses. By informing yourself, you will be able to spot symptoms of relapse and immediately address those with utmost care and compassion.
5. Set boundaries- You may heartily want to help your loved one struggling with addiction. However, you must set some boundaries as invading their privacy or interfering too much in their life can often feel controlling rather than supportive.
It will also help you protect your own and other family members’ well-being. Remember, if you cannot stay healthy yourself, you won’t be able to offer help and support to your loved one battling addiction.
6. Accompany them to their treatment- Since addiction often leaves one feeling isolated, you should take some steps to help your loved one realize they’re not alone, such as:
- Visiting them at the rehab or treatment center.
- Participating in family counseling sessions to get a better understanding of family dynamics.
- Attending family support groups to know how to take care of yourself and stop enabling addictive behavior.
- Going to individual therapy.
About Steps Recovery Centers
You must support your family members in recovery to make the treatment easier for them. At Steps Recovery Centers, we offer ADHD treatment for mental health issues and substance use disorders, such as alcoholism, anxiety, and depression. Our clients choose us for our compassionate, effective treatment programs, and qualified staff. For more information, contact us at 801-800-8142.
