Addiction is a complex disease that affects not just the person with the addiction but also their family and friends. It can be difficult to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. Whether you are just starting to realize there is a problem or have been supporting your loved one for years, it can be hard to know what to do next. Thankfully, there are many ways to support your loved one in their recovery journey. Here are some of the best ways to help them get and stay sober.
1. Be there for your loved one
The most important thing you can do for your loved one is offer your support. This means being there for them, both physically and emotionally. Make yourself available to talk, listen, and provide a shoulder to cry on when needed. Don’t judge or criticize your loved one, and be supportive. That is important to them getting clean and staying clean.
2. Help them find treatment
If your loved one is ready to seek help for their addiction, help them find a treatment program that is right for them. There are many different programs available in rehab centers such as Impact Recovery Center, so it is important to find one that fits the individual’s needs. You may need to help them pay for treatment, as insurance may not cover the entire cost.
3. Take care of yourself
Remember to take care of yourself as well during this difficult time. Be sure to eat properly, get enough sleep, and find a support network that includes friends and family members who understand your situation. Having a strong support system will help you get through this challenging time. Some other things you can do to take care of yourself are exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
4. Educate yourself about addiction
It is important to educate yourself about addiction and what it entails. This will help you better understand the disease and how to support your loved one best. There are many great resources available, both online and in print. Take advantage of these resources to learn as much as possible about addiction. When you have the right knowledge about addiction, you will be better positioned to support your loved one.
5. Avoid enabling behavior
One of the biggest dangers for loved ones is enabling the addict’s addictive behavior. This means doing things for them that they should be doing for themselves, such as making excuses for them, hiding their addiction, or providing them with money or drugs. Enabling behavior only serves to perpetuate the addiction and makes it harder for the person to get sober.
6. Set boundaries
It is also important to set boundaries with an addict in recovery. This means establishing limits on what you will and will not tolerate from them. For example, you may not want them to come over to your house if they are high or drunk. It is important to communicate these boundaries with your loved one and stick to them no matter what.
7. Get involved in meaningful activities with your loved one
Many recovering addicts find it helpful to get involved in meaningful activities with their loved one. This could include going to a support group meeting, participating in a hobby together, or simply spending time together enjoying each other’s company. The important thing is that the activity be something that both of you enjoy and that provides a sense of purpose. That way, your loved one will have something to look forward to and something to help keep them sober.
Addiction can be a difficult disease to deal with, both for the addict and their loved ones. But by using these seven tips, you can support your loved one in their recovery journey and help them get and stay sober.