You can play an important role in helping your loved one stay away from drugs and alcohol. Start by learning about addiction and mental health disorders so that you’re able to learn about different strategies that can support your loved one’s recovery. Typically, a combination of strategies are effective at keeping your loved one sober such as counseling, family therapy, and medication.
How To Support Your Loved One In Early Recovery
When your loved one successfully completes a drug rehab program, there is a lot to celebrate. But this is only the beginning of the journey. That’s why it’s important to keep emotions and expectations in check. Your loved one may be feeling so good about their recovery that they put themselves in situations they’re not ready for. Or, they may be feeling low and have a negative attitude toward sobriety.
Ways To Support Your Loved One In Early Recovery
No matter how your loved one is feeling, it’s crucial that you support their recovery. Start by supporting them in the following ways:
- Listen to their fears, worries, sorrows, etc.
- Remind them to take their medication.
- Attend 12-step meetings and family therapy.
- Make sure appointments with doctors and health professionals are kept.
- Work with their treatment team to note progress and keep informed.
- Create a sober, healthy environment.
Building A Life Without Drugs And Alcohol
Keep in mind that your loved one is very sensitive to drugs and alcohol right now, and even small amounts can make symptoms worse. It may a very long time before your loved one can be around certain people, places or things before they can limit their use. Until then, here are ways to help them stay away from drugs and alcohol.
- Help them follow all of their treatment recommendations, including therapy, counseling, medication and self-help groups.
- Encourage complete abstinence. Help your loved one avoid social situations where drugs or alcohol may be present.
- Practice healthy coping skills. Stress will never go away, so it’s important to know how to deal with it in a productive manner. Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques are all effective.
- Encourage participation in support groups. Help your loved one choose a meeting that fits them, and take the initiative to learn about the language and concepts in the groups.
- Know the signs of relapse. Get familiar with the early signs of relapse and have a plan for addressing them.
Integrative Approach To Recovery
The River Source is here to walk the journey to sobriety with you or a loved one. Our integrative approach includes counseling, alternative therapies, and continuing care. We also place a strong emphasis on the family unit.
Call Us Now To See What We Can Do For You & Learn More About Our Treatment Program!
