Watching a loved one battle drug and substance abuse can be disheartening and overwhelming. As a result, it may be tempting to look away as your loved ones deal with the problem by themselves.
However, part of helping an addict is by showing them love and support. In your attempt to help, learn to draw the line between support and enabling.
Try not to make any excuses for them or entertain unacceptable behavior. Discussed below are several ways of how to support a loved one in recovery.
6 Ways To Support a Loved One
#1. Research
Most people always wonder why a person continues to take alcohol or drugs, despite the obvious harmful consequences. To understand this, it is better to research why addiction can be challenging to overcome and how you can appropriately show support.
Most recovery centres will also offer some guidance to family members of a person struggling with addiction. Research is how to recognize signs of relapse, understand what led to the relapse, and the next step to take.
#2. Setting Healthy Boundaries
If you support your loved ones and avoid enabling them, you will have to set boundaries on what you will not put up with. Let them know that your physical and mental health will have to be respected.
A conversation on setting boundaries will sound like, “as much as I am here for you, I will not offer you money while you are still using.’
Sometimes, showing love is by being strict and doing what needs to be done to help your loved one recover. Make sure that you follow through with the boundaries you have set.
#3. Be Encouraging
It is common for a loved one to reject the idea of treatment several times. Despite how many times you hear ‘no,’ it is good to be persistent and encouraging. Eventually, they might agree to get help from a facility like Impact Recovery Center.
However, that is not the end of it. You still need to help and encourage them to stay committed. Often, they will struggle with whether they want to stick to the treatment. However, with support from you, the journey becomes more manageable.
#4. Avoid Using Comfort and Love as a Weapon
As much as watching a loved one struggle with addiction is overwhelming, you need to be careful with how you show concern. For example, conversations like, ‘how can you say you love me and not quit?’ should never be used.
Most of the time, it will work against you because they will retreat. Also, avoid giving them ultimatums like, ‘if you do not quit, I will no longer support you, or I will move out.’ Instead, always remind them you are there while sticking to the boundaries you have set.
#5. Be Honest
Once you notice signs of substance abuse or relapse, approach your loved one with honesty. Do not try to avoid the issue or find excuses for their behaviour to avoid confrontation.
With silence, you are encouraging their secrecy or denial. Create a safe place where you can communicate openly without them feeling judged or attacked. It would help if you were honest with yourself as well. Denying the obvious signs in front of you will not make the problem go away.
#6. Prioritize Your Health
Letting your life revolve around your loved one struggling with addiction is not healthy at all. In the event of a relapse, you are likely to be affected and feel like you have not done enough.
So instead, eat healthily, get enough sleep, exercise as much, and even have a hobby. It will help you cope and be a good caregiver.
As much as you want to support a loved one, always involve them in the steps you plan to take while helping them.
This will show your loved ones that you respect them enough, and they are likely to be more accepting of getting treatment.
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