Drug and alcohol addictions can impact every part of a person’s life. When someone lives with addiction, their health can suffer. Relationships become strained. Addiction can severely affect their emotional well-being, too.
The impact of addiction is not limited to the person living with it. Family members also experience the uncertainty, anxiety, and consequences that go along with substance abuse.
While addiction can impact loved ones, it can also provide invaluable support to people with substance use disorder (SUD). Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that family support is one of the most critical aspects of success in recovery.[1]
This article will explore how loved ones can support someone during rehab. You will learn:
- How to help a loved one who is in rehab
- How family involvement benefits people during addiction recovery
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the team at The Living Room now to explore our holistic treatment programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
5 Ways to Support Someone During Rehab
Loving someone who struggles with addiction can make people feel powerless. However, there are many things you can do to help a loved one who is in rehab.
Here are five ways you can support someone during their recovery journey.
1. Learn about addiction
One of the best ways you can support a loved one who struggles with addiction is to learn more about the condition. Read books, attend 12-step meetings or support groups, and talk to an addiction counselor. The better you understand addiction as a disease, the more support you’ll be able to offer.
Learning that addiction isn’t a character flaw or weakness can help you offer meaningful love and support to your loved one throughout their recovery journey. It can also help you identify treatment options, rehab facilities, and community resources that may benefit your loved one.
Learning about addiction can also help you identify the signs of relapse. Being able to identify the physical and mental health symptoms of addiction and relapse can help your loved one get treatment sooner.
2. Stay in touch
Some people in recovery find that family and friends stop visiting or reaching out. Loneliness and isolation are significant problems for people in recovery. It is essential to stay in touch as much as possible at each stage of recovery.
When your loved one is in rehab, visit whenever you can. If you cannot visit regularly, send emails or letters. After your loved one leaves rehab, keep up the communication. Even if they do not always respond to your messages, keep sending them. Knowing you care can mean everything to someone in recovery.
3. Attend family therapy
Family therapy is often included in a person’s rehab treatment plan. If your loved one asks you to attend family therapy sessions, consider doing so.
Working as a family unit with a licensed mental health professional can give you insights, information, and space to help you heal and move forward together.
4. Listen
One of the simplest and best things you can do for someone in rehab is to listen without judgment. Providing a safe place to talk, process feelings, and share experiences is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved one.
Listen without judgment. Set healthy boundaries to protect your mental health and well-being. Work with a therapist or counselor who can help you manage your complex emotions related to your loved one’s addiction.
5. Offer practical support
Your loved one may need practical help throughout recovery. You can offer practical support by:
- Offering child, pet, or home care as needed
- Helping them to navigate insurance or payment plans
- Offering to set up appointments
- Finding community resources that support addiction recovery
- Providing transportation to and from appointments
Offering these and other kinds of support is an act of kindness and love. Your support can have a profound, positive impact on your loved one’s recovery journey. You may reach out to The Living Room for more ideas on how to support someone in addiction recovery.
Why is Family Involvement Important During Addiction Recovery?
The decision to seek substance abuse treatment is one of the most important choices a person will make in their lifetime. Recovery can be emotionally and physically challenging, and many people require significant support to stay on track toward lifelong sobriety.
Family involvement in treatment is crucial. Research has found that family involvement can have many benefits, including:[2]
- Increased motivation to complete a treatment programs
- Less anger, confusion, anxiety, and resentment between the addicted person and their family members
- Improved communication between family members
- Better understanding of addiction and the recovery process
When families support people struggling with addiction, the entire family benefits. Family support can create a healthier family environment that supports long-term addiction recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one require the support of an addiction treatment center, reach out to the specialists at The Living Room. Our holistic treatment and recovery programs can help people put addiction behind them and work toward a healthier future. Contact us to learn more or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Treatment and Recovery
- Science Direct: Family involvement in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders among transition-age youth