It’s not easy learning that your loved one is suffering from an addiction. It can have a drastic effect on the way you perceive them. Regardless, they are still someone you care about and as such, it’s important that you support them through it all. However, this is much easier said than done.
Keep reading to learn how to support a loved one in rehab:
Learn More About Their Addiction
There are many different types of addictions ranging from alcohol to drugs. On paper, an addiction seems cut and dry. People start using a substance to escape their problems and feel better.
However, an addiction is much more than that. In fact, addictions are actually a type of mental illness and each one comes with it’s own unique side effects. Make sure to take the time to learn more about the addiction your loved one is suffering from.
Come To Terms Why They’ll Have Limited Contact With You
Most medical rehab facilities have very strict policies regarding the amount of contact the patient can have with you. You may think that having limited contact with your loved one will hinder you supporting them. Keeping the contact between you and your loved one limited is actually the best thing for them.
Not only does it prevent you from subconsciously enabling them, it gives them time to overcome the addiction in a quiet, peaceful environment. Furthermore, the limited contact you have is temporary, so it’s only a matter of time before you can spend all the time you want with them.
Be Involved In Their Recovery
In most cases of addiction, the addicted individual often feels like they’re alone. This is where you come in. Recovering from an addiction is much harder than some might think. Just because they completed rehab and stayed clean for a month means nothing if they fall right back into it. In fact, the reason they were able to do so is because their access to the substance was completely cut off and they were monitored 24/7.
Your loved one depended on this security to stay clean. Without that crutch, it’s very difficult to fight the impulses. Involve yourself in their recovery and let them know that they’re not alone. Providing encouragement will have a huge positive impact.
Things to Consider
Most people go through a myriad of emotions when they discover that a loved one is in rehab, which is perfectly normal. Although this is normal, it can be difficult to cope with. Follow these tips and supporting your loved one through rehab will be second nature.