Helping someone through their addiction recovery can be a rewarding experience. However, it can also be one of the most difficult tasks a person can do.
Between providing efficient support to navigating your own feelings during this time, supporting a loved one in recovery can produce a whirlwind of complicated emotions. You are not alone.
Here are a few ways to support a loved one in recovery:
- Listen Without Judgment: One of the best ways you can support your loved one is by offering an open line of communication. Listen to their concerns, their troubles and their struggles without passing judgment.
- Practice Patience: Remember that the road to recovery is a journey that should be taken one day at a time. Your loved one will have good days, bad ones and some may even have potential relapses. Be supportive in their recovery, listen to their needs and be patient with their progress.
- Celebrate Their Progress: Whether it’s a year sober, a week or even a day, take some time to celebrate your loved one’s accomplishments as they work hard to live a sober life. By recognizing their wins – big and small – they can gain a boost in confidence that they can overcome their addiction.
- Take Care Of Yourself: If you’ve ever heard the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” then you know that the best way to show up for someone is by first showing up for yourself. Supporting someone during their recovery can weigh heavily on your mental and emotional health. Prevent draining yourself by practicing your own form of self care, establishing boundaries and seeking help, if you need it.
- Join A Support Group: There are several types of support groups designed for the loved ones of recovering addicts. Here, you can share your fears, frustrations and thoughts with people who are going through similar things you are going through. Check out local support groups – online or in-person – and use them as an opportunity to share your experience and potentially gain helpful insight into your situation.
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