10 Tips To Help Someone Recovering From Addiction

Seeing someone you love live with a substance use disorder can be stressful and may take a toll on your mental health over time.

It is natural to worry about a family member misusing substances. The risk of fatal overdose and the possibility of long-term damage to their reputation and relationships is very real.

While you can’t usually force someone to attend addiction treatment, providing them with love and support can play a crucial role in their addiction recovery.

1. Educate Yourself

You can support your loved one by having a proper understanding of substance abuse and the recovery process.

Start by educating yourself about the nature of drug or alcohol addiction and the effects this medical condition can have on the body as well as the mind.

Continue by learning about effective treatment programs, including psychotherapy, peer support groups, and other resources to identify treatment options that fit your loved one’s needs.

With the proper education, you can better advocate for your loved one and support them throughout treatment.

2. Encourage Them To Engage In Aftercare Opportunities

After your loved one completes their initial treatment plan, encourage them to take advantage of aftercare opportunities such as support groups, family therapy, and other resources.

Research has shown that aftercare is essential to the effective treatment of addiction, especially for those who have a more severe form of addiction.

Offer to discuss their aftercare options with them and their treatment provider to provide support in helping them determine the best choice for them.

3. Let Them Know They Can Talk To You

Let your loved one know they can talk to you about anything, and create a non-judgmental and safe space for them to share their concerns or feelings.

With open communication, you can better understand what they may need during recovery and how you can provide support.

4. Establish Healthy Boundaries

While providing your loved one with support during their alcohol or drug rehab treatment regimen, it is crucial to have healthy boundaries in place.

Be honest about your expectations and boundaries. Having clear lines that you will not cross is necessary to prevent a codependent relationship where you may enable old habits.

Establishing boundaries also helps to protect your emotional and mental health to ensure your well-being isn’t compromised.

5. Help With Small Tasks When You Can

Early recovery from substance misuse can be isolating and exhausting. Offer to help your loved one with small tasks such as cleaning the kitchen as a team or going grocery shopping together.

Helping them with small tasks helps them during difficult times, providing company, and getting them out of the house shows them that you are there to help them and support them.

6. Engage In Healthy Lifestyle Choices Together

You can also support your loved one by making healthy lifestyle choices together. Making these changes with them gives them the best chance of a successful recovery.

Living a drug-free lifestyle and making healthy eating and activity choices have been shown to improve mental well-being and lessen the risk of mental health issues and recurring drug abuse.

Attend sober events with your loved one to help them develop positive ways to handle cravings and avoid use.

7. Practice Patience And Empathy

Recovery from addiction is a long process and can be difficult. It is crucial to practice understanding as your loved one may experience setbacks.

It is essential to be there for them as they experience difficulties in the process and continue to empathize with their situation, even if they aren’t ready to seek treatment immediately.

It is also essential to be aware of the possibility of relapse and support them in getting back on track if it occurs.

8. Celebrate Milestones Together

It is essential to celebrate your loved one’s milestones in recovery. Make them aware that you are proud of their progress and effort, no matter how small the victory may seem.

Milestones in recovery provide a sense of accomplishment and show them that it is possible for them to recover.

Celebrating milestones is an integral part of supporting someone in recovery because it motivates them to continue their positive behavior and demonstrates support while boosting their self-esteem.

9. Use Self-Care To Improve Your Wellness

Supporting someone in treatment can be difficult, especially emotionally. If you are struggling with mental illness or feeling depleted emotionally, it is hard to be there for someone.

Joining a support group or leaning on other family members or friends can give you the emotional support you need to continue supporting your loved one.

10. Help Them Meet Sober Friends

Having sober friends can be crucial to your loved one during and after treatment.

Engaging in meaningful friendships with those who do not support their alcohol or drug use can provide them with more people to hold them accountable for their sobriety, as well as provide more support throughout the process.

Ask How Spring Hill Can Help With Addiction Recovery

If a loved one is living with addiction and seeking professional help, we are a national and state-level accredited treatment center.

Contact Spring Hill Recovery Center to learn more about available behavioral health treatment options.