When a loved one is in early recovery, you want to do everything possible to show love and support. Recovery brings many significant changes, and your loved ones may have difficulty in adjusting to these life changes. While you want to do everything in your power to help, it may be difficult finding healthy ways to support those early in recovery. The following are five ways family can help their loved ones who are new to recovery.
Learn About Recovery
In order to help your loved one who is early in recovery, you first must learn about recovery itself. It is important yourself to absorb as much knowledge as you can. Talk to your loved one’s counselor in treatment and other reputable substance abuse and mental health staff about your loved one’s specific issues and needs. From the information you receive, you are better able to formulate a plan to help them stay committed and confident.
Say You Want to Help and Mean It
Once you gain knowledge about recovery, tell your loved one that you want to help and mean it. While there are times a loved one may ask you directly, oftentimes they may be scared to ask because they are embarrassed or afraid. Don’t hesitate to make the first move and tell them that you are there for help and support when they need. Most importantly, follow through if asked!
Be Available
If you make the commitment to help a loved one early in recovery, you need to be available. The most effective way to achieve that goal is to set up a schedule of when you will check in. This should be done either in person or by phone. In the event that you aren’t available, be sure you have a backup plan where they can contact another trusted person.
Promote Healthy Life Choices
Long-term recovery hinges on maintaining wellness of the body, mind and spirit. If you make the commitment to help family member in early recovery, you need to encourage them to make positive lifestyle choices. These include healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, regular attendance of sober support groups and pursuing healthy hobbies. It may be helpful that you participate in these activities for extra support.
Person over Illness
Addiction is a progressive disease which takes over the life of the addict and their family. It can be easy to focus on the condition itself and forget there is a person who suffers from that condition. It is important for you to recognize the person and their unique strengths. Encourage them to reclaim the talents, hobbies and dreams they had prior to their addiction. Most importantly, you need to remind your loved one that addiction does not define who they are as a person.
Help for a Loved One is Just One Phone Call Away
For those early in recovery, the obstacles they encounter can be overwhelming. You want to do what you can to help, but you may not know what to do and who you can turn to for help and advice. With one phone call to Drug Rehab Program Journal today at 1-800-205-1201, you will receive the help and support you need to help a loved one find lifetime recovery. Call today.
