Tips to Support a Loved One in Recovery from Addiction

Experiencing a loved one going down due to addiction is a harrowing experience that can be emotionally and mentally draining. From mood swings to skipped meals and episodes of violence, addiction takes a toll on everyone around the addict. What once felt like a joyous family gathering can quickly become a tense and anxiety-ridden event. For more information about drug rehab in Melbourne visit The Hader Clinic.

There is hope for friends and family members of drug addicts in recovery. Supporting your loved ones through their recovery journey is a massive step in the right direction, both for them and for you as well.

Learn About the Situation:

You only know they are addicted. You don’t know the cause, you don’t know the kind, you’re unaware of the intensity, you don’t know the cure. You must take the time to learn about addiction and what your loved one is going through before taking action. As you assist them during this stressful time, you will be more compassionate and patient.

Keep an eye on changes in behavior or appearance. It may be a sign that your loved one is using again or is struggling to stay sober. If that’s the case, don’t jump at them! Gently inquire and see if they need help or just want to talk.

Have Your Answers Ready:

Can you diffuse a heated argument? What do you say when they’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms? How can you help them avoid triggers? These are all imperative questions to ask yourself. The more you understand about addiction and recovery, the better prepared you will be for any problem that may arise.

You can start by looking at therapy for addiction, 12 step programs, and online resources. There is an abundance of information available to help guide you through this challenging process. It will help you understand what they experience at their meetings and how you can be there for them when they’re not in discussions.

Embrace The Truth:

It’s also worth noting that the journey will not be simple. Drug addiction produces denial, fury, and a slew of other feelings. You’ll need to be patient and understanding to aid the individual you’re trying to assist. They could become violent or obnoxious. But if you stick by them and show your support, they have a much higher chance of overcoming their problem.

You must understand that the person you’re trying to pull out isn’t always the same person you once knew. Addiction changes people, and not always for the better. It will be a long and challenging road to recovery, but if they’re worth it to you, then stick by them.

Be Considerate:

It’s not fair to bombard the recovering addict with questions about their day or how they’re feeling. You may take over their personal space and make them uneasy. Instead, focus on listening to them when they’re ready to talk.

Also, be understanding if they need to distance themselves from certain people or activities. They can’t go back to their old selves immediately; it’ll take time. They are struggling with withdrawal symptoms and triggers. It’s essential to be respectful of their new boundaries.

Set Boundaries:

In the early recovery days, addicts are often highly susceptible to relapse. It means that you may need to set some boundaries to protect your loved one.

Don’t enable them by making excuses for their behavior or giving them money to buy drugs. This will only set them back in their recovery.

Be honest with them and let them know that you will not tolerate drug use or any type of destructive behavior. Let them know you’re there for them but that you won’t tolerate any nonsense.

Help them Build a New Life:

We all deserve second chances; we all dream of starting afresh. It is what you should be striving for with your loved one.

Help them build a new life where addiction is not an option. Encourage them to get involved in activities they enjoy; it could be something as soothing as meditation or painting or as active as hiking or running.

Go out with them so they can start socializing again. They have spent important days of their lives surrounded by wrong people and in the wrong environment. It is time to show them the world can be a much better place than that.

Hold Them Accountable:

Holding someone accountable is the most significant way to support them in sobriety. It can be done by setting simple rules and expectations for their behavior and enforcing them without fail. Let them feel like they are in control of their life again.

It’s also important to have regular check-ins with them to see how they’re doing. This will help you identify any potential red flags early on, and it will allow them to talk about any difficulties they’re facing.

If they are unable to meet your expectations, then you may need to take a step back until they’re able to prove that they’re ready to rejoin society again.

Reduce Environmental Triggers:

The environment an addict surrounds themselves with can be a huge trigger for relapse. If you can reduce the number of environmental stimuli, it will make it easier for them to stay clean and sober.

If they’re living in a home where drugs are being used, then it’s time for them to move out. If they’re constantly being bombarded with images or memories of their past, then it’s time for them to make some changes.

If you indulge in alcohol or drugs around them, they will be constantly reminded of their addiction. It’s important to be respectful of their situation and to make an effort to avoid triggers.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle:

Encouraging someone in recovery to live a healthy lifestyle is one of the most beneficial things you can do for them. It includes eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Exercise and sleep are linked to improved mental health, and eating healthy foods can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

Ensure that your loved one consumes regular meals and snacks and discourages them from eating processed meals and sugary beverages. A healthy lifestyle prevents the chances of relapse.

Ending Note:

Addiction is a disease that takes many different forms. It can be challenging to know how to help a loved one struggling with addiction. But by being supportive and understanding, you can make a difference in their lives. Just remember to take care of yourself as well. This is a difficult journey for both of you.