Watching a loved one struggle with drug or alcohol addiction can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences. The journey towards addiction recovery is filled with challenges, not just for the individual grappling with addiction but also for their loved ones who stand by their side. Knowing how to offer support effectively is crucial during this sensitive time.
Understanding Addiction and Recovery
Grasping the nature of addiction and the road to recovery is essential for anyone standing by a loved one on this tumultuous journey. Substance addiction is a multifaceted brain disorder characterized by the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite detrimental consequences. This compulsion stems from changes in the brain’s chemistry and function, affecting an individual’s ability to control impulses and make healthy decisions.
Recovery is a comprehensive process that extends beyond just abstinence. It entails a holistic transformation, where the individual adopts new coping strategies, repairs and builds relationships, and commits to a lifestyle that supports their well-being. Understanding that addiction recovery is an ongoing process helps loved ones set realistic expectations and foster a supportive environment that nurtures healing and growth.
Ten Ways to Support Your Loved One During Recovery
Supporting a loved one through their journey of addiction recovery is critical for their overall well-being and will help them achieve long-term sobriety.
- Educate Yourself about Addiction: Understand addiction as a disease, not a choice. Knowing the psychological, physical, and emotional aspects of addiction helps you empathize with your loved one’s struggle. This foundation of knowledge can dismantle misconceptions and prejudices, fostering a more supportive environment.
- Listen Without Judgment: Offer a listening ear without offering advice, criticism, or judgment. Doing this creates a safe space for your loved one to express feelings and struggles, fostering trust and openness. Being heard can have a significant positive impact on their recovery journey.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Clearly define what behaviors you will not tolerate, such as lying or substance use in the home. Boundaries protect your well-being and teach your loved one that their actions have consequences.
- Offer Practical Support: Assist in practical ways, such as driving them to appointments, helping with chores, or supporting them in job searches. These gestures reduce stress and show your commitment to their recovery.
- Celebrate Their Progress: Acknowledge milestones, no matter how small. Celebrating progress reinforces positive behavior and motivates your loved one to keep going. It is important to recognize the effort they are putting into their recovery.
- Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you have a support system in place for yourself, engage in self-care activities, and consider seeking professional support if needed. You can offer more effective support if you are emotionally and physically well.
- Learn and Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness for your loved one and yourself is essential for healing. Letting go of resentment helps both of you move forward. Remember, forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event.
- Avoid Enabling Behaviors: Understand the difference between supporting and enabling. Enabling rescues them from the consequences of their actions and can hinder their recovery. Support encourages them to take responsibility for their recovery journey.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage participation in activities that do not involve substance use, such as exercise, hobbies, or joining a sports team. These can provide positive outlets for stress and build a community outside of recovery circles.
- Be Patient and Keep Hope Alive: Recovery is a long process with potential setbacks. Patience shows your unwavering support, even during tough times. Maintain hope, and if your loved one experiences a relapse, remind them that relapse is a part of the recovery process for between 40 to 60 percent of people in recovery. Reminding them that recovery is possible, you offer a light during darker periods.
Supporting someone through addiction recovery is challenging, requiring patience, love, and understanding. Using these strategies, you can provide the meaningful support your loved one needs to navigate their journey to sobriety.
Help is Available
Statistics from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) show that in 2022, more than 48.7 million people were struggling with a substance use disorder. Of that number, 27.2 million had a drug use disorder (DUD), 29.5 million had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 8.0 million people struggled with both. Are you or a loved one included in those statistics? If the answer is yes, help is available.
Located in Mesa, Arizona, Canyon Vista Recovery Center has expert professionals to help you or your loved one overcome addiction. Using a combination of psychiatric and medical care, proven evidence-based addiction treatments, and holistic therapies, our staff will provide the necessary guidance and support to help you take back control of your life and achieve lasting sobriety. Take the first step toward a life free of addiction. Contact us today.
