4 Tips to Help a Loved One Recovering From Addiction
Have you noticed changes in your loved one’s behavior? Are you worried about their well-being? Recovering from addiction can be a painful and frustrating process, and many people give up before they even begin.
Encourage your friend or family member to seek help if you think that they’re heading down the wrong path. The earlier a person starts working with a doctor or therapist, the better their chances of recovery.
Keep reading to learn how to help someone in your life who’s battling an opioid addiction!
1. Be Open to Hear Them Out
One of the most important tips to help a loved one recovering from addiction is to be open to hearing them out. This will be a difficult situation and it is important to listen to your loved one. Understanding what they are going through and allowing them to openly discuss their situation can be cathartic in itself.
Be patient and try not to be judgmental. It is fine to ask questions and express concerns but be careful how you address them. Having a sense of compassion and understanding will help in their recovery. Offer your help and resources that may be available to them.
2. Never Invite Them to a Drinking Session
Inviting a loved one recovering from addiction to a drinking session is never recommended. This can be a dangerous situation as it could put them in contact with the same people and places where they used to struggle with their addiction.
It is also not beneficial for recovering addicts to be in an environment saturated with reminders of their addictive behavior. Opt for healthier activities with the person such as going on a walk, playing a game, going to the movies, or anything else which does not involve drinking or outside triggers.
3. Encourage Them to Take Advantage of an Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab centers can be the perfect solution for a loved one recovering from addiction. Offering the continuity of care needed without requiring long-term commitment, premier outpatient rehab provides a supportive and structured environment for addiction treatment. This can be done while allowing the recovering individual to remain in the comfort of their own home.
Outpatient rehab also allows a greater degree of freedom to:
- attend meetings
- maintain community ties
- follow up recommended therapies
- go through therapies prescribed
The individual can also have access to their support system close to home. This includes their family, friends, and other resources to stay on track with recovery. Encouraging your loved one to take advantage of the services offered at an outpatient rehab will ensure they have the best chance to choose sobriety and maintain recovery in the long term.
4. Do Not Make Them Feel Judged
Not making someone feel judged is of utmost importance when recovering from addiction. When we are in a vulnerable state, feeling judged can be detrimental to our mental and emotional well-being. When trying to help a loved one recover from addiction, emphasize that there is no judgment and make sure your words and actions reflect that.
Avoid making any kinds of assumptions, or comments or asking questions that can make the person feel ashamed of their struggles or addictions.
Be Helpful to One Recovering From Addiction
We can help someone recovering from addiction by showing them support, respect, and understanding. This can include helping them find resources, increasing their social support network, and offering a listening ear. The support and encouragement of those around them can be key to successful recovery, and we can all offer valuable assistance in this journey.
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