It can be difficult to help a loved one struggling with addiction, especially if you feel like they don’t want to be supported. But suppose someone you care deeply about has taken the first few steps of their journey towards recovery. This could be by going to an addiction treatment centre or seeking therapy. In that case, it can become easier for you to help and support them.
If you’re wondering what you could do to help, here are seven tips for supporting someone recovering from addiction.
Check in on them and ask how they’re feeling:
Everyone needs to feel seen and heard. One of the simplest things you can do to help someone recover from addiction is to check in on them regularly. Ask them how they’re doing and feeling.
Be sure to listen to what they have to say. You might not agree with everything they say, but what matters is that you’re there to listen to them. You should also ask them if there is anything you can do to help them.
Learn more about addiction and recovery:
Learning more about addiction is another good way to support your loved one. You have to know addiction is a disease, not a decision or a moral failing. The more you learn about addiction, the more you can understand and support someone recovering.
It would help if you also educated yourself about addiction recovery. Above all, remember that recovery will not happen overnight. It’s a long journey, and relapses and setbacks can be expected.
This is why they will need your love, encouragement, and support.
Let them know you’re proud of them:
You can also support them by celebrating their successes with them. Are you proud of them for planning to commit to therapy or an addiction treatment centre? Let them know.
Tell them you’re proud of their progress and encourage them to continue. If they relapse and feel ashamed of it, tell them they can get back on track. Let them know you believe in them and their ability to recover. This might help them believe in themselves as well.
Support them without enabling their addiction:
If you have already tried to protect your loved one from negative consequences, you have enabled their addiction. For example, you might have given them money when they asked you for it, or you might have tried to prevent them from getting into legal trouble.
Now that they are in recovery be sure you’re not doing anything that could enable their addiction if they relapse. Please support their efforts to achieve healthy goals. Not their addictions and bad habits.
Try your best to avoid arguments and negativity:
Of course, you should never blame your loved one for their addiction or for any setbacks they might experience as they try to recover from it. But you should also avoid arguments and negativity.
Maintain honest and healthy communication between you. Avoid sensitive topics of discussion that will only create friction and arguments. Instead, focus on positive and uplifting topics that inspire, make them laugh, or distract them from their struggles and challenges.
Accept them and appreciate them the way they are:
Just like you should never blame your loved one, you should also refrain from judging them. Remember that addiction is a disease, not a choice or a flaw. They don’t need to hear you tell them they should have done things differently.
They need you to accept and appreciate them just the way they are. This will help them move forward, believe in themselves, and rebuild their self-esteem.
Take care of yourself and live a healthy lifestyle:
It’s extremely kind and generous of you to seek tips for supporting someone recovering from addiction. But remember that one of the most helpful things you can do to help your loved one is to take good care of yourself.
Placing your needs first and practicing self-care will help you be present for your loved ones whenever they need your support. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
But living a healthy lifestyle can inspire your loved ones. Seeing you exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and having proper sleep hygiene could help them build a meaningful drug and alcohol-free lifestyle for themselves.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.