5 Tips For Supporting A Loved One Recovering From Addiction

Addiction can be a lonely and isolating thing. But it can be just as scary watching it play out in front of you, especially if it’s someone that you love.

Fortunately, addiction recovery is possible.

And if you find yourself in a situation where your loved one is learning how to adjust to a new, healthier lifestyle, you may be feeling optimistic yet still a little confused and helpless about where your place is in this situation.

Here are 5 tips you can adopt to support a loved one recovering from addiction without overstepping the mark.

1.  Educate Yourself

Addiction is a terrible disease that completely rewires the brain. Even as your loved one recovers, it’s only natural to feel frustrated with some of their behaviours if you haven’t experienced addiction for yourself.

As a result, one of the simplest ways to support a loved one recovering from addiction is to try to put yourself in their shoes. By this, we mean taking the time to understand how addiction and recovery have taken a toll on your loved one’s mind, and the various potential triggers they may be facing on their journey to health.

Learning about these things can help you to better empathize with what your loved one is going through. It’ll also give you a better idea of the help that is available for them.

2.  Support Their Positive Life Choices

A huge part of proper recovery is learning how to seek out help from professionals to make healthier life choices. Some may incorporate therapy sessions to try and make positive changes in their life, whereas others may focus on getting rehab help near Essex or other rehab centres across the country.

Either way, this type of professional support gives your loved one the space to express their thoughts and emotions without judgment, which may prove to be essential during their recovery from addiction.

Your role in supporting your loved one here is simple but crucial. By encouraging their attendance at these appointments, you’re subtly pushing them toward a more positive mindset.

3.  Respect Any Boundaries

Watching someone you love struggle with addiction can be hard, and you’ve probably wished that there was something more that you could do to help. As tempting as it may be to step in, you must make sure not to cross any boundary.

Instead, it’s best to leave your loved one to navigate their next steps without your interference. This then allows them to reject those tempting offers of their own volition.

Of course, it’s fine to gently encourage this behaviour. But you must respect their independence.

By taking this stance, you’re helping your loved one to speak about their past issues with substance use without feeling guilt or shame – all on their terms.

4.  Listen To Your Loved One

Simply taking the time to listen to what your recovering loved one has to say can be a great help to them. It’s also one of the most subtle and natural ways to provide support.

For example, you should regularly ask them how they’re doing and feeling, and maybe inquire whether there’s anything specific you can do to help. This lets them know you’re actively listening and willing to lend a hand where you can.

Simply being able to express their emotions to you will be a massively beneficial part of their recovery process. Your support will allow your loved one to categorize their painful feelings and begin to organize the chaos in their mind.

It may even strengthen your relationship with one another.

5.  Try To Reduce Environmental Triggers

One of the first things you should do is remove substances from your home, or hide them in a secure location completely out of sight. These sorts of substances may include anything from prescription medications to alcohol.

You can also help by creating a stress-free environment for your loved one to thrive in. stress is often one of the first triggers for relapse and while it cannot always be avoided, it can be limited with your intervention.

A simple way to do this? Be patient, kind, and tolerant of your recovering loved one, and never jump to conclusions. If you disagree, allow them to explain their side of things and then come to a conclusion.

Summary

If your loved one is recovering from addiction, the best thing you can do is support them at every hurdle. Whether that involves lending an ear for them to chat or encouraging them to seek professional guidance, you could play a key role in supporting their recovery.