Isolation and loneliness are common among people with substance use disorders (SUDs). People with an addiction often push their friends and family away. But if someone you love has made the monumental decision to enter rehab, they need your support now more than ever. Offering addiction recovery support starts with understanding why your loved one may have been pushing you away or rejecting your help. There are ways to support someone in recovery that are genuinely effective.
To learn how best to provide addiction recovery support for your loved one, contact The Right Step Houston to speak to one of our staff. Call 1.844.768.0169 for practical advice and to have your questions answered.
What Is Rehab Like?
Whether in an outpatient or residential program, your loved one will be busy during rehab. There are guidelines and expectations for them to follow, as well as support from all sides. They’ll experience withdrawal, preferably under medical supervision in an inpatient detox program. They’ll learn to openly discuss their drug or alcohol use and be honest with themselves and others about their addiction. They’ll uncover the underlying factors that contributed to their substance use disorder. They’ll also be encouraged to accept help, which can feel deeply vulnerable—especially for those who have relied on substances to cope until now.
How to Provide Addiction Recovery Support
As a supportive loved one, you can ensure your love and support are accepted and meaningful by finding the best and most productive ways to help. Your understanding of your loved one will guide you in discovering what support works best for them.
Get Educated
Learn as much as you can about the science and psychology of addiction, as well as the challenges faced by those in recovery. Also, learn about relapse—warning signs as well as an understanding that, as a chronic illness, addiction comes with the risk of relapse, and it’s not a sign of failure or weakness.
Be a Safe Person
This involves many things, including making sure you’re not the source of any triggers. If you live with the person in rehab, make sure your home is substance-free. Avoid judgment in your interactions and listen openly and with loving intention.
Model Honesty
You can and should be honest with your loved one without judgment. This includes sharing your vulnerability and truth-telling about what their addiction meant to you. Seek advice from the rehab staff or your therapist about the timing of specific conversations. Most rehab centers offer loved ones the chance to participate in therapy sessions. Make an effort to show up. These are great opportunities to begin open, honest, healing communication.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Often, in relationships with addicted individuals, boundaries have been blurred or even erased. You’re not responsible for their addiction or their recovery. You can determine what you can and can’t do and what you will or will not accept within your relationship. Your loved one will also be learning these lessons so you can reaffirm your relationship with healthier boundaries and expectations moving forward.
Be There
A reliable friend who’s in it for the long haul is what someone in recovery needs. In the short term, while your loved one is in rehab, offer genuine support, such as:
- Offer rides to appointments
- Help with household tasks or childcare
- Encourage them when they’re struggling or need motivation
- Spend quality time together without substances involved
In the long term, being present and showing continued support will mean a lot, especially during challenging times. Addiction recovery is an ongoing process, and your loved one may face new challenges as they navigate life without substances. Your love and support can be crucial in helping them stay on track.
Contact The Right Step Houston Today for Addiction Recovery Support for a Loved One
Addiction is a family disease because it impacts everyone—the person struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Contact The Right Step Houston to learn how we can help your loved one start recovery and also how you can best support that process. Call 1.844.768.0169, or you can complete our online form.