How to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment

Supporting a loved one through addiction treatment may be extremely new to you. Through that, it’s also very likely that addiction treatment will be an unfamiliar process for them also.

Due to that, it’s common to feel anxious, lost, or unsure of how you can tackle the unknown, while also showing compassion, while also adding value to the addiction recovery process, and while also remaining balanced.

Family and friend referral services are something we deal with every day here at Rehab Clinics Group. With this in mind, we understand what you’re going through, here armed with useful and proactive guidance.

Knowing how to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment will not only fuse your relationship but also help them recover easier and stronger.

There are of course dos and don’ts to this process, which you must understand and take forward before offering your support. This will help you remain an invaluable asset throughout addiction treatment and recovery.

See what to expect from addiction treatment, along with how far your support can go while following recommended steps. For guidance on how to start the process of helping someone with addiction, or through the treatment itself, we’re here for you.

There’s a fine line between supporting and heckling someone. Aim for the former with our guidance.

 

What to expect when your family member enters treatment

You may feel lost when your loved one enters rehab for treatment. You may be used to having them around, you may personally care for them, or you may just have a really strong relationship, making the separation tough. However, it is important to remember that they will be encountering the best experience possible, to work through their addiction.

Naturally, this will be a daunting time for you, as significant change is about to occur through addiction treatment. Yet this will be an even greater encounter of change for them, actively entering rehab. You should therefore look to remain strong, look to offer your support in every appropriate way, but you should also look to strengthen your own wellbeing. Your family member or friend will need you, post-treatment.

Once the transition happens, you should expect to keep in touch and in the know throughout rehab. You should look towards assisting wherever recommended throughout the 28 days. You should also prepare for life after rehab, for your loved one, to assist with their post-treatment transition.

All in all, through a reputable clinic, you can feel assured that care, consideration, and compassion will be encountered, while you prepare to offer the same throughout the long-term process.

Anxiety, anger, disbelief, disappointment, worry, excitement, and relief are all emotions that you should expect to experience throughout this process. Each has its own place to help you come to terms, work through, and accept what’s ahead. By allowing this process to go ahead, you’ll be positioned to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment.

Now it’s time to understand how to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment, physically and psychologically, through some of our dos and don’ts.

 

How to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment – the dos and don’ts

There are some dos and don’ts to follow when looking to support a loved one through acknowledging addiction, through rehab, and through post-rehab life. Here’s some surrounding addiction treatment itself, from the attitude you reflect the education you complete personally to offer quality support.

Do show compassion and understanding throughout the process, as empathy can offer trust and connectivity. Don’t judge your loved one, no matter how disappointed you may feel. Also avoid deflecting comparisons throughout your life, as this can aggravate the struggles of addiction recovery.

Do participate in therapy if required, such as family therapy, as this can help to advance understanding and perspective throughout addiction treatment. Don’t attempt to actively disrupt the flow of treatment.

Do encourage your loved one to partake in all appropriate treatments and therapies, as sometimes encouragement is all it takes to increase acceptance. Don’t disregard medical recommendations.

Do remain positive and optimistic, no matter how tough this time may be. Don’t use negative language or forms of support, as this can impact your loved one’s mindset and mental health.

Do educate yourself on how to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment, alongside increasing your understanding of addiction as a condition and the long-term treatment it requires. Don’t assume that you’re fully aware of addiction and its diagnosis.

Do be patient, as this process can take some time to adapt to and accept. Don’t be impatient, as expecting immediate change is unrealistic throughout addiction treatment.

Do disable all forms of negative reinforcement, as this is a positive place. Don’t disable the motivation to recover.

Do prepare for life after addiction treatment as this is the time that your active support will be required. Don’t expect instant readjustments, as change can be difficult to manoeuvre around.

Of course, every experience will be different. Yet by preparing yourself to support your loved one, you’ll be equipped to motivate, encourage, and care for them throughout the addiction treatment process.

 

Supportive steps throughout addiction recovery

Throughout the entire addiction recovery journey, you can show up, share your concerns, and support your loved one.

 

Referral

Your support can begin through a family and friends’ referral, which can begin the rehab process for your loved one. Here you can reach out to our team at Rehab Clinics Group, to share your concerns around the habits of your loved one. We will provide some detail on how to approach your loved one on the topic of addiction.

 

Intervention

If the approach process has been deflated (remember it won’t always go to plan and especially not immediately), we can assist with an intervention. Here you can help a loved one see the need and benefits of visiting a rehab clinic for addiction treatment. Again, guidance will be provided as this can be a sensitive process to work through.

 

Support

You can then look to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment, by following our above dos and don’ts. You can also partake in family therapy to help yourself heal. It’s vital that you can also forgive and overcome the consequences of addiction, which can be completed through rehab.

 

Ongoing guidance

Ongoing guidance, after addiction treatment, will provide your loved one with a strong support network. Showing how you’ve remained and supported, can help your loved one grow, see the necessity of sobriety, and also build your relationship up. Post-rehab life can be tough, which you can ease by showing up.

By supporting your loved one, you can make a world a difference in their future. They may be unaware of their drug or alcohol addiction. Yet you may be, even to its severity.

By knowing how to support your loved one when they are in addiction treatment and throughout the recovery process, you can add significant value to their life, making recovery worthwhile.

Contact our team at Rehab Clinics Group for more guidance on how to appropriately and transparently, support your loved one.