If you have watched a loved one, friend, or family member struggle with addiction, you know how hard it is for them.
You may have seen their attitudes and behaviors change for the worse. You may have watched them hit rock bottom and be consumed by their chosen drug. Even in their darkest days, you were by their side, but just because they got help at a luxury rehab center doesn’t mean your support is no longer needed.
How to Support Someone in Recovery
It can be difficult to know how to help a recovering addict, but it is important that you do. At Seaside Palm Beach, we are giving you a few tips on supporting a recovering alcoholic or drug addict.
- Educate yourself. This is the first step to supporting a recovering addict. It is important that you do your best to understand their addiction problems. Addiction is a disease and the more you know about it, the better you can help them in the future such as making it easier to prevent a relapse.
- Be there for them. Especially, in the first stages of recovery, a recovering addict can be vulnerable and subject to relapse. It is important that you let them know that you are there for them in whatever way they need. This may include lending an ear to let them vent or checking in on them when you know they are alone.
- Encourage healthy habits. One of the best ways to help a recovering addict is to help them maintain a healthy routine. During their time at a luxury residential rehab like our own, their days were mostly planned out for them. Once their time with us is over, recovering addicts often look for something to fill the void that their addiction left behind. Encourage them to fill their time with exercise, new hobbies, and addiction support groups. Or even better, join them.
- Help them avoid drug triggers. One of the most trying times for a recovering addict is facing drug triggers. While you cannot help them avoid every drug trigger, you can actively do your best to lower the number that they need to face. Create a sober-friendly environment without drugs, alcohol, and drug paraphernalia. Also encourage them to avoid places that could be riddled with drug triggers like a club, house parties, or their friend’s house where they did drugs. Instead, invite them to do other activities that are drug-free.
- Know the signs of relapse. Relapse is a part of the recovery journey for many, but you want to make sure you catch it as early as possible. If you suspect that your loved one may have relapsed, get them back into treatment as quickly as possible to avoid a downward spiral.
- Get help for yourself. Although you may be concerned with supporting a loved one, do not forget about yourself. Talk to a professional, join a support group, or find a family program for addiction. When you take care of yourself you will be better able to help your loved one.
Although everyone is different and it can be difficult to know exactly how to help a recovering addict, it is important to make the effort.
If your loved one is still in need of addiction treatment, let us help. Call us today at 561-677-9374 to learn more about our facility and to get the recovery process started.
