The rehabilitation process for individuals with addictions can be a taxing time for those involved. Naturally, the strain mostly falls on the person in rehabilitation, but if you are someone they trust and are going through the process with them, you need to take care of yourself as well. If you need assistance on this path, explore our guide on how to show your support for someone going through their recovery journey.
Educate Yourself on Addiction
Gathering more information on how addiction works will help you and the recovering individual. Frame your mindset around understanding that the affected person is dealing with a disease that is highly stigmatized and comes in varying severity levels. Being clued up on certain aspects will make you a source of comfort for your affected loved one and make navigating recovery easier for both of you.
Give the Person Space to Make Mistakes
Nobody can completely avoid messing up sometimes. Allow grace for the individual you’re supporting, and most importantly, help them sparingly. You want them to develop a sense of resilience. Showing them that you trust them enough to rectify their own mistakes will affirm them and help them establish steps to bounce back quicker. Just remind them they’re cared for and supported — they will regain their agency and do what they need to for their journey.
Equip Yourself for Potential Relapse
Recovery is a volatile journey and a life-long process for the affected individual. Relapses commonly happen, and this is a reality you have to come to terms with from the start. Work through any feelings of anger or disappointment you may have if relapse occurs, and develop steps to deal with these emotions. Stay encouraged, though, and understand that the person will get back on track when they gather the strength to focus again.
Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
A person suffering from addiction may have unpleasant moments directed at the people who are supporting them. If they snap or display disrespectful behavior toward you, be empathetic to their situation while also making it clear that you won’t tolerate their actions. Being firm with your boundaries will prevent any potential instances of emotional abuse and show the affected individual that their behavior has consequences. Fighting an addiction doesn’t absolve someone from causing hurt, and you need to be clear about that when necessary.
Help Prevent Tempting Situations
Sometimes you will need to stand in the way of a risky situation. If you are in a place where you can see your loved one may relapse, you need to get them out of it. Be stern while ensuring they understand you are looking out for them. They will be grateful that you did, even if they may initially resist.
Have a Professional Support System
Addiction recovery should be undertaken with the assistance of qualified professionals. You can support a loved one in rehab by directing issues that are too big for you to someone equipped to provide aid. Their assistance will help the affected individual stay on track to fully recover.
At Crest View Recovery Center, we provide these services, including numerous therapies and recovery programs. Contact us today to see how we can help.
