Supporting a loved one through recovery is a great way to show how much you care about somebody. It can be hard to feel like you’re alone going through recovery. It will probably mean a lot to your loved ones if they know they have your support. Begin by learning all about addiction and what recovery is like. Ask them how they would like you to support them because everybody is different with their journey. It’s a nice gesture to also abstain from using substances to show your support. And finally, you should also encourage them with overall health and wellness. Perhaps they’d like to start a new exercise routine, diet, or some meditation exercises. Hopefully, you can find a way to give support to your loved ones and let them know that you care about their recovery and are rooting for them to succeed.
Supporting a Loved One Through Recovery: How to Be Helpful
Educate Yourself
The first step towards supporting a loved one through recovery is to educate yourself. It’s important to truly understand how addiction works and that it is a disease. Many who are not addicts have a hard time understanding it fully. Recovery can be a long and complicated process. It’s important to know what to expect as your loved one begins their road to recovery.
Ask Them How They Need Help
Another thing you can do when supporting a loved one through recovery is to ask them directly how they would like you to help. Some people need a trusting person to talk things through with. Others won’t want to talk about their journey but might want a friend to sit with when they’re struggling. And yet others might want somebody to come along with them to group support meetings. Knowing how to be helpful is very important since each person has different needs.
Abstain
Supporting a loved one through recovery is easier if you abstain as well. If you are a drinker or a drug user, make sure to get all of the substances out of your house to help your loved ones if they live with you. If not, then make sure to avoid using those substances while you’re around them. Abstaining yourself not only removes the temptation for them but also shows them that you are supportive.
Encourage Them in Overall Wellness
Finally, one last step to supporting a loved one through recovery is to encourage them if they are interested in overall wellness. Many find it helpful to begin a new exercise routine or diet when they go through recovery. You can support them in this by joining in the new routine with them. Encourage them in their new endeavors. You might also suggest that they try new activities to help with mental wellness like meditation, therapy, or deep breathing.
Supporting a loved one through recovery can be confusing at times, but is a great way to show how much your care. Begin by educating yourself on what addiction means. It’s also important to know what recovery looks like and what to expect as your loved one goes through it. Next, ask them directly how you can help them with their recovery. People all react differently to recovery and everybody has their own needs. If you live with them, remove all substances and alcohol from your house to show solidarity. And finally, support them if they are wanting to start up new routines in other areas of their life. They might need a gym buddy or somebody to attend meditation classes with. Try to support them in the way that they want to be supported. Hopefully, you can help them with their recovery and make it a successful journey.
