Watching a loved one suffer through the effects of addiction is a terrifying experience. When rehab ends, however, you should not stop providing your loved one with support. In fact, cravings to use drugs again typically peak at about 6 months into sobriety, which is well after most individuals have left residential care. It is important that you learn how to show support for a recovering loved one and understand more about what they are going through. This way, you can help them in their journey and help keep them on track if they do relapse. Learning to live in sobriety is an adjustment for everyone who knows your struggling loved one. With the right attitude, you can play a bigger role in your loved one’s recovery than you ever imagined. Read on to learn more about how to show support for a loved one and what your role is in your loved one’s road to recovery.
Ask For Direction To Support A Recovering Loved One
You may be able to eliminate the guesswork that comes with supporting a recovering loved one simply by asking your loved one how you can help. Your loved one will be able to provide you with the best advice for what will best help them if they feel tempted to use drugs again. For example, your loved one might ask you to accompany him to a party that he is nervous about attending. Or, they may want to make regular plans to talk on the phone or go for a walk. For a recovering addict, staying sober is as much about keeping the mind off using as it is about establishing a safe, manageable routine. Just simply being with your loved one can help take their mind off of abusing drugs and can be a huge help for them in their recovery.
Addiction Requires Lifelong Care
Just because rehab is over does not mean your loved one is cured. People who enjoy the best treatment outcomes are usually the ones who accept that addiction is a disease requiring lifelong treatment. Every day, your loved one will face hard choices and will face temptations to use drugs or fall back into old habits. You can help your loved one and show support to them by encouraging them to continue outpatient therapy or join a recovery support group. Stay alert for signs of depression or anxiety, and keep in mind that even happy occasions such as weddings, graduations, promotions, and other life events can result in relapse. It is important to be aware of these occasions and always be understanding of what your loved one may be going through.
Take Care of Yourself
Addiction affects everyone in the family, not simply the struggling individual. Do not hesitate to get counseling for yourself or your children so you can resolve issues related to your loved one’s addiction. There are a number of problems that you may incur from dealing with a loved one’s addiction. This can include financial problems as well as trouble with trust and the law. Remember that you and the rest of your family have needs too.
Avoid Intoxication
Although it is true that alcohol and drugs are everywhere, using mind-altering substances in front of your recovering loved one can end in relapse. It can also cause resentment and anger, as that is a lifestyle they are actively choosing not to participate in. Keep your home free of any addictive substances and commit to a lifestyle defined by abstinence and other healthy choices. If you need more help or information on how to support a recovering loved one, contact The Ranch PA at 717.969.9126 for help.
