Recovery of any kind is tough on anyone, whether it be from surgery or substance abuse. Recovering from substance abuse is especially hard as the individual has to deal with addiction and taboo. Unlearning old habits and re-learning how to live again can take a toll on both the person going through it and those closest to them.
Helping a loved one go through something as hard as recovery is no easy feat. To help you put your best foot forward, here’s a list of the best tips to help you help your loved one. Follow these 4 techniques and help your recovering loved one get back on their feet.
- Do your research
If you want to help your loved one through recovery, then you need to buckle down and do your research. You don’t have to become a licensed professional, but knowing the basics of what to do and what not to do is a good start. From books to YouTube channels, to blogs, and to others who have gone through the same situation, there are plenty of places to get educated.
Learn about the particular condition or illness your loved one has and why they’re in recovery in the first place. Learn more about their recovery process, the dos and don’ts, and what is expected of you as a bystander. Learning these things creates a foundation for a more supportive environment for your loved one. It will both help you better understand their journey and help you help them.
- Call in the professionals
A lot of the time, supportive family members and friends are not enough to help someone make a full recovery. A lot of the time, professional help and facilities are needed to help those in recovery get through this difficult time. When looking for a facility, it’s important to find one with plenty of experience with the specific situation your loved one is going through.
It’s important to find a facility that prioritizes the needs of its patients and that has the right expertise to create the right treatment plan. Ask around for the best facilities and professionals in your area to get your loved one the help they need and deserve. Do your own research and look for experience, specialization, and good reviews. Whether your loved one is in need of recovery from addiction or mental illness, there’s help out there for them.
- Encourage responsibility and be honest
To help an individual in recovery, you often need to do more than get them professional help and learn about their situation. Someone in recovery may feel isolated and if they feel like they can, they might relapse back into abusing substances or episodes. As someone who loves them, it falls on you to encourage them to keep pushing through and to be responsible.
Not only do you need to reinforce responsibility from your loved ones in recovery, but you also need to be honest with them. If they ask for your opinion on something, you have to give them your honest opinion and feedback. Try to praise them where they succeed and where they did good, but don’t sugarcoat things. Don’t be too harsh when they slip up, simply be honest with them and give them some constructive criticism or pointers.
- Be patient and supportive
At the end of the day, all you need to help your loved ones through recovery is to give them your love and support. Recovery and rehabilitation from drug or alcohol abuse is a long and treacherous road with ups and downs. Recovery can feel very isolating for the individual going through it. If you want to help your recovering loved one, make an effort to be there for them.
Make yourself available, keep in touch, and check in on them daily. If you made a commitment to be present, stick to it. Let your loved ones know that you are there for them, that you are proud of their progress and achievements, and show it. Be patient with your loved ones on their more difficult days, but don’t forget to check in on yourself too. If you find yourself tired out, take a break, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So there you have it! With these 4 important tips in mind, you’re ready to tackle and help your loved one through recovery. For starters, make an effort to educate yourself on the situation so that you can understand more and be of better use. Don’t be afraid to get some extra hands on deck and call for professional help.
Make an effort to encourage your loved ones to be responsible and to be honest with them. Find a balance between hardness and softness, and be honest with them when they ask you for feedback. Last but not least, remember to be supportive and patient with both them and yourself throughout the process.
Nina Burkovskaya is a senior content writer at Raisetwice since 2020. She has 12 years of yoga experience and 5 years experience of motivational coaching. On a free time loves to read biographies of the famous people and go for a walk with her dog.