How to Support Your Loved One in Recovery
Even though your loved one may have just successfully completed addiction treatment, the consequences of use can affect a family in many ways including financial difficulties, trust, health problems and relationship issues for some time to come.
It is critical that families be involved in the treatment as well as the recovery process. Families will need to learn the best ways to support the recovering individual and themselves once the treatment program has finished. Please contact this therapist for suggestions, referrals, and resources that will sustain the wellbeing of you and the individual struggling with addiction/substance abuse.
Supporting Sobriety
One important thing that a family needs to be aware of when living with a recovering addict or alcoholic, is the importance of family members maintaining an alcohol or drug free and sober lifestyle. It is hard for the recovering addict to remain clean and sober if family members keep drugs or alcohol in or around the home. Individuals in recovery can always find alcohol or drugs if they truly desire them, but the home environment needs to be free of substances so an immediate temptation can be avoided. It may be necessary for the family to create lifestyle changes to support a loved one, especially if the family always kept alcohol or other substances on hand for special occasions or events.
Obtaining Support
Just as the individual in recovery requires support from family, friends and peers in recovery, it is important for family members to have support as well. Sometimes this means attending family support groups to become educated on the disease of addiction as well as gain and provide support to help others in the community cope with the physical and emotional stress that can accompany supporting a loved one in recovery. When family members are seen seeking support, their loved one in recovery may be encouraged as well to continue using support in recovery and aftercare programs like Recovery Management.
Reducing Stress
By now you are already familiar with how stressful living with an individual in early recovery can be. It is important to remember that just because they have entered or completed treatment, they are not going to behave perfectly when they leave a treatment facility. Recovering addicts and alcoholics can be more susceptible to stress which can increase the chances of relapse. Family members are encouraged to help lessen stress for their loved ones in recovery. Stress for the person in recovery can include family conflicts, relationships, work, school, health issues and finances. Other methods of reducing stress include journaling, meditating, exercising and engaging in hobbies. If this does not help out, looking to mental health professionals, such as therapists or physicians may be necessary to help cope with the chaos that addiction has created in family members’ lives.
