Sobriety. Learn how you can help your loved ones get there. Experiencing a loved one’s battle with addiction can be incredibly difficult. However, addiction treatment and recovery become more bearable when you have the love and support of your family and friends. In this piece, we’ll go over the best approaches to being your loved one’s guiding light during their healing process by showing them support, encouragement, and love. In the following post, learn 8 essential tips for supporting a loves one through their journey to sobriety.
Supporting A Loved One’s Journey To Sobriety
1. Learn About Addiction and Recovery
Many damaging stigmas and misconceptions still exist, keeping countless people from getting the support they need to become sober. According to the National Institute of Health, prejudice and stigma related to addiction can discourage people from getting treatment. Seek reliable sources and educate yourself on the features of addiction and recovery.
2. Provide Drug-Free Fun
Learning how to enjoy oneself without using drugs or alcohol is often one of the most difficult transitions for those in recovery. You may help someone you care about lead a happy and healthy life free from the need or desire for drugs by providing them with drug free fun. Encourage them to participate in fun activities like playing soccer or swimming.
3. Vocalize Your Support
Take the initiative and express your desire to assist your loved one in recovering in any manner you can. They might be too shy or ashamed to seek help. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, people who have supportive family members are more likely to succeed and stay sober in the long run.
4. Reduce Stress
One of the main things that might worsen mental health and lead to a drug or alcohol relapse is family stress. Identify the needless conflict and drama in your household and establish a secure environment for candid discussions and feelings.
5. Set a Good Example
Even if you don’t personally adhere to sobriety, you can motivate your loved one by example. This could be preparing nutritious meals, working out, engaging in community service, and adopting mindful practices (including journaling, meditation, and self-love).
6. Identify Signs of Relapse
Relapse is possible, but that doesn’t mean your loved one is hopeless. In fact, for many, it serves as a crucial reminder of their decision to be sober. According to Partnership to End Addiction, relapses are common in the rehabilitation process; 40–60% of people have at least one relapse. The symptoms include hanging out with individuals and locations connected to previous drug use, exhibiting strange behavioral or emotional shifts, and romanticizing former drug use.
7. Establish Healthy Boundaries
When someone is actively battling addiction, boundaries are frequently broken – or not formed at all – and this can persist even after they are in recovery. In order to protect yourself and your loved one during their recovery, it’s critical to recognize any co-dependency, enabling habits, and other harmful behaviors.
8. Listen to Them
Individuals in recovery may quickly get overwhelmed by the number of meetings, sessions, guidelines, and rules they are subjected to. Talking to you can be all they need or desire sometimes. Your loved one is building a new, sober life while also facing the death of their old one, which requires time, discipline, and commitment.
The road to addiction recovery is one of bravery, resiliency, and deep transformation. Step out bravely and lend your loved one your support. The Boca Recovery Center shines a light on the road to recovery and rejuvenation, providing hope. Contact us today to learn more!
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.