5 ways to support a loved one during treatment

When people are abusing alcohol, opioids, or other substances, they may assume that their addiction only affects them. Unfortunately, this is not true. Addiction is rather like a drop of food coloring in a glass of water; it starts in one spot, then permeates outward until it touches everyone involved. As a result, when someone who is battling an addiction decides to get treatment, their recovery also touches the people who love them. If you’re wondering about supporting a loved one during their recovery, we’d be happy to help. At Women’s Recovery, we offer a range of addiction treatment resources to people battling a variety of addictions.

Contact us today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about your loved one’s treatment options. 

One of the most vital parts of helping a loved one is to manage expectations for everyone involved. Sad as this fact is, addiction is a chronic condition, meaning that drug and alcohol treatment isn’t a one-stop-shop. In truth, the only way to stay in recovery is to get long-term treatment. Unfortunately, many people whose loved ones have recently gone to treatment don’t realize this, which ultimately sets them up for disappointment. 

One way to offer support for recovery is to talk to your loved ones as they attend treatment. Discuss long-term recovery options. Don’t add to the pressure they already face, but offer to be there for them for each step of the process.

Because your loved one’s drug use has hurt you nearly as much as it is hurting them, their treatment can also positively impact you. If the treatment center offers family therapy, you can take part in and offer encouragement during counseling sessions. You can also try to visit your loved one as often as the treatment program allows. If they do not allow visitors, consider writing letters of encouragement. This shows that you’re supporting a loved one and standing next to them throughout the recovery program. It can also motivate your loved one to stay in treatment even if things get rough. 

As tempting as it may be when helping a loved one in recovery, don’t keep asking why they did certain things. Rehashing the past can sabotage your loved one’s recovery process, due to the fact that you’re piling on more blame, shame, and guilt. Instead, try to keep your conversations positive as you discuss future possibilities. Doing so can provide confidence, hope, and allow them to rebuild self-esteem. 

In some cases, loved ones can offer too much support for recovery. Feelings of shame about not seeing the signs of addiction can lead you to want to do too much to support your loved ones. Doing so can enable further negative behavior patterns for your loved one. At some point in recovery, they have to own up to their own damaging behaviors. As such, it’s important for you to stay calm and supportive, but be forceful when you and your loved one are in the midst of a confrontation. Doing so will enforce appropriate boundaries for both you and your loved one. 

No matter how important you feel that it is to support your loved one, it’s also vital to remember that you need to take care of yourself too. If you try to help your loved one and keep pushing aside your own needs, you can end up feeling emotionally and physically drained. Make sure that you’re eating healthy foods, sleeping enough at night, and getting regular amounts of exercise. You can’t help anyone if you make yourself sick. 

If you have more questions about supporting a loved one in recovery, Women’s Recovery is here to help. Our treatment center offers comprehensive options, including:

• Detox guides
• Meth addiction treatment program
• Cocaine addiction treatment program
• Outpatient treatment program

To learn more about treatment options for your loved one, contact us today at 833.754.0554.