If your loved one is recovering from substance misuse, your support can improve their recovery journey. By getting involved in a constructive way, you help increase your loved one’s odds of rehab success.
Need useful tips to support someone in recovery? Zelus Recovery is your source for timely information and advice. Your loved one can also turn to us for a full slate of outpatient substance treatment services. For more information about our addiction counseling, just call us today at 208.518.0797.
Tips to Supporting a Loved One in Recovery
When a person is in recovery from substance misuse, it can be a difficult time for both them and their loved ones. As they navigate the challenges of sobriety and rebuilding their life, it’s important for their friends and family to also play a supportive role. Here are some tips on how you can support your loved one during this delicate time:
Be Empathetic
The first and most important thing you can do is to be empathetic towards your loved one. Recovery is a challenging process, and they may experience a range of emotions from frustration and anger to guilt and shame. Try to understand what they are going through and offer them support without judgement.
Educate Yourself
It’s important to educate yourself about substance misuse and recovery in order to better understand your loved one’s journey. This will also help you recognize warning signs of relapse and know how best to support them.
Offer Practical Help
Recovery often involves making significant lifestyle changes, such as finding new hobbies or avoiding certain triggers. You can offer practical help by participating in these activities with your loved one or by helping them create a safe and supportive environment for their recovery.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Substance misuse is often used as a coping mechanism for underlying issues. Encouraging your loved one to find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise or therapy, can greatly benefit their recovery journey.
Celebrate Milestones
Recovery is a long and challenging process, so it’s important to celebrate even the smallest of milestones. This can help boost your loved one’s self-esteem and motivation to continue on their journey.
The Importance of Supporting Someone in Recovery
A solid support network is vital for anyone in recovery. Research shows that the benefits of this support include:
- Higher odds of staying in treatment until it ends
- A smaller chance of drinking or using drugs when treatment ends
- Fewer days of drinking or drug use if abstinence is broken
One of the underlying explanations for these benefits is stress reduction. When your loved one gets ample support, they’re likely to feel less stressed from day to day. As a result, they may feel less driven toward a return to substance use.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
Remember, you are not responsible for your loved one’s recovery. Your support and involvement are valuable, but ultimately, it is up to the individual to make changes in their life. Don’t neglect your own well-being while supporting someone in recovery.
- Take breaks when needed
- Seek out your own support system
- Educate yourself on self-care practices
It’s also important to set boundaries and communicate openly with your loved one about what you are able or willing to do in terms of support. Taking care of yourself allows you to continue providing effective support for your loved one.
Schedule an Appointment at Zelus Recovery for Addiction Counseling
Is your loved one in drug or alcohol recovery? You can do a lot to help them on their sobriety journey. In fact, your support may be a big factor in their ability to restore and maintain a sober lifestyle.
At Zelus Recovery, you’ll find plenty of tips to support someone in recovery. And your affected loved one will find customized treatment that can help them overcome any form of addiction. To find out more about our outpatient treatment approach, just call us today at 208.518.0797. You can also reach us online through our brief contact form.
