According to statistics, 21 million people suffer from an addiction problem in the US. Cocaine, opioids, and alcohol are just three of the substances that people fall prey to, although addiction can take many other forms as well. It might be that you have experienced some form of addiction yourself, and it might also be that you know somebody who has.
If you know you have an addiction problem, book yourself into an effective rehab center. Commit to a Google search online and find yourself the help you need. Do the same if you have a friend or family member who needs specialist help. Treatment is important as its the first step to overcoming the addiction.
The next step is addiction recovery and this is where we place our focus in this article. We will talk about what you can do to help an addicted love one during their recovery process, although apply the same to yourself if you are going through recovery.
Supporting a loved one with their addiction recovery.
#1: Be there for your loved one
Be that rock for which your loved one can rely on. Make time for them and show them that you love and care for them. The support you provide can distract them when they experience withdrawal symptoms, and it can also give them reassurance that you don’t judge them for the path they went down.
#2: Remind them to follow treatment recommendations
Your loved one will have a treatment plan to follow. This might include attending medical appointments and group therapy sessions. And they might need to take certain medications if they have a co-occurring disorder. You can be there to remind them of the steps they need to take within their plan, making sure they don’t miss out on something intended to aid their recovery.
#3: Support your loved one in their self-care
A healthy lifestyle is important for all of us, and it is something that will have been recommended to your loved one. Exercise and healthy eating are important facets of recovery, both for building strength, and for helping to act as alternatives to any unhealthy habits that could lead to withdrawal. American Addiction Centers reviews the importance of nutrition in substance abuse recovery, so read the article for some useful advice. Ensure your loved one keeps up with a healthy diet plan, and make plans to exercise with them if they need your motivating support.
#4: Spot the signs of relapse
Unfortunately, relapses do happen, although, with the support you and others give, the chances can be reduced. Still, it is worth knowing the warning signs of relapse as this will give you a reason to intervene. You can encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment again, and you can seek advice from a professional yourself for support on how to help them.
#5: Care for yourself
Self-care is important for you, as you will need the strength to support your loved one. Take care of your own needs, by eating well, exercising, and taking time out to rest. Caring for a loved one going through recovery will take its toll, so make sure you don’t do it alone. You might burn yourself out if you do. Form a support network of other people your loved one knows and trusts and work together. By doing so, you will be able to care for the person in need and have more time to care for yourself in the process.
We haven’t covered everything here, so continue your research if this article applies to you. Speak to an addiction professional for expert advice, and read other articles online about helping somebody with their addiction recovery.
COMMENTS MAKE ME HAPPY!