Helping a loved one maintain sobriety is something you should learn about if you have a loved one going through addiction treatment. After all, an essential part of sobriety success is having a support system made up of loved ones who are active in the individual’s recovery journey. However, it can be challenging to know how to support your loved one since every person’s recovery journey is different.
Relapses are common, particularly during the first year of sobriety, and should be viewed not as failures but as opportunities to reassess and adjust treatment methods. For individuals treated for alcohol use disorder, engaging in aftercare programs is crucial to prevent relapse, as a significant percentage experience lapses without ongoing support.
The most important thing is that you acknowledge the importance of supporting your loved one and are ready to take action. Just knowing that they have people behind them will make a significant difference in their ability to maintain sobriety.
In this article, we will be discussing how you can go about helping a loved one maintain sobriety long-term.
Why Everyone Needs to Learn About Addiction Recovery
If you want to support a friend or a family member who is seeking addiction treatment, the first place you need to start is educating yourself on addiction recovery. If you have never struggled with addiction yourself, you most likely don’t understand how addiction works. In order to approach your loved one with empathy and patience, it is essential to understand why people become addicted and the mental health aspect of this. Substance use disorder impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones, creating emotional and relational challenges that require a strong support system.
Especially when it comes to the many harmful stigma and stereotypes around addiction, you want to have a clear picture of what this truly entails. By doing this, you will be able to be supportive without being judgmental or enabling your loved one. It is also important to practice self-care and set boundaries to manage symptoms of depression, as neglecting your own needs can lead to increased emotional struggles.
Educating yourself on addiction recovery will also help you to better understand what your role in their recovery journey will be. As a part of their support system, there are certain things you will need to do to encourage them and support them throughout this difficult process. Understanding addictive behaviors is crucial in the addiction recovery process, particularly in recognizing the stages where individuals may resist seeking help. Significant lifestyle changes and professional support are essential to halt destructive behavior and address the emotional challenges and cravings that accompany recovery.
The good news is that there is an abundance of free addiction recovery resources online that you can take advantage of.
How You Can Support a Loved One Through Sobriety
Supporting a loved one through their recovery journey can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It requires a deep understanding of addiction, its effects on individuals and families, and the importance of seeking professional help. Family members and friends play a crucial role in encouraging their loved one to seek treatment and maintain sobriety. You simply need to know your treatment options and how they might interplay in your loved one’s recovery process.
Here’s what you should know.
Build a Support Network
A strong support network is essential for individuals recovering from addiction. This network can include family members, friends, support groups, and mental health professionals. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, receive support, and connect with others who are going through similar challenges. By building a support network, you can help your loved one stay connected with others who understand their struggles and can offer guidance and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
Encouraging your loved one to join support groups can be incredibly beneficial. These groups offer a sense of community and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere. Additionally, involving mental health professionals in the support network ensures that your loved one receives comprehensive care that addresses both their mental and physical health needs.
Find Sober Activities
Many people who are in addiction recovery struggle with the many lifestyle changes that come with this. For example, many people starting their sobriety journey have a hard time finding fun activities to fill their free time that support their recovery. After all, there is a significant culture around substances, such as alcohol, which can pose some challenges for those who are staying sober.
During early recovery, providing supportive measures is crucial. Emotional and material support should be directed towards fostering healthy habits and future goals rather than enabling addictive behaviors.
Maintaining healthy, supportive relationships can significantly aid in sobriety and help prevent relapse by providing emotional support and reducing feelings of loneliness.
As part of their sobriety support system, one of your jobs is to spend time with them in a way that supports their sobriety. You can do this by finding sober activities that support their new healthy lifestyle while still providing enjoyment.
These activities will look different for everyone, depending on your and your loved one’s interests. But if you are struggling to find sober activities that both of you can enjoy, here are some popular examples:
- Hiking
- Bowling
- Golf
- Skating
- Pottery classes
- Movies
- Cooking classes
- Volunteering
Keep in mind that some activities that are technically sober may still expose your loved one to addictive substances. Because of this, you may want to avoid specific activities or ask them whether or not it would negatively affect them.
Vocalize Your Support
Something that is easy to forget is the importance of vocalizing your support when you are helping a loved one maintain sobriety. Being silently supportive is not nearly as effective since your loved one may not realize that you are backing them.
Sobriety is a very challenging process, and it really never ends. Your loved one needs all of the support they can get, especially when it comes to navigating the emotional side of dealing with addiction. Recognizing and addressing the complex feelings that arise during addiction recovery is crucial. These feelings can impact both the individual struggling with substance misuse and their loved ones, highlighting the need for compassion and supportive communication to foster understanding and healing.
You also have to remember that your loved one may feel shame and embarrassment about what they are going through. By vocalizing your support and being the first one to talk about it, you can make them feel more comfortable to reach out to you when they need someone. Make it very clear that you are there to help and that they could reach out to you whenever they need someone. Ensuring that your loved one feels supported and understood can significantly aid their recovery process.
Loved ones may feel compelled to blame or harbor resentment towards the person dealing with addiction. While these feelings are valid, they are not helpful in supporting recovery.
This is also a good time to listen to your loved one and allow them to speak freely about what they are going through. Just having someone to talk to can be incredibly beneficial.
Know the Signs of Relapsing
Being part of your loved one’s support system as they are navigating sobriety also comes with some responsibilities. You may be one of the only people who interact with them on a daily basis and can quickly notice any signs of relapsing.
Because of this, you need to be able to recognize what these signs are so that you can act quickly:
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Dwelling or reminiscing on past substance use
- Increasingly negative behavior
- Skipping or avoiding sobriety meetings or therapy appointments
- Criticizing the recovery process
- Becoming antisocial and isolated
It’s important to understand that setbacks, such as relapses, are not indicative of failure but rather a common part of the recovery process. Approach these situations with compassion and understanding while encouraging ongoing support.
Aftercare programs play a crucial role in preventing relapse by providing ongoing support and resources to individuals who have completed treatment.
If you notice any of these signs of relapsing, you should reach out to your loved ones therapist or the head of their treatment program as soon as possible.
Be Active in Their Journey
There are many things people in addiction recovery need to do in order to maintain sobriety long-term. This often includes seeing a therapist, attending sobriety meetings, going through a sobriety treatment program, etc. Aftercare programs play a crucial role in supporting long-term sobriety by offering a variety of services that help individuals maintain their recovery. As part of their support system, you need to take an active part in your loved one’s recovery journey.
Many detox treatment programs specifically involved loved ones in the recovery process. Not only does this show your loved one that you are taking an active interest in their recovery, but it also helps you to better understand your role in this process.
Show Willingness to Over Challenges
Overcoming addiction is a lifelong journey that requires patience, support, and self-awareness. Individuals in recovery often face challenges such as relapse, negative feelings, and destructive behaviors. Family members and friends can play a significant role in helping their loved one overcome these challenges by providing emotional support, encouragement, and guidance. It’s essential to set healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care, and seek professional help when needed. By working together, you can help your loved one develop the skills and strategies necessary to maintain sobriety and achieve long-term recovery.
For example, relapses can be particularly disheartening, but they should be viewed as opportunities to reassess and adjust treatment methods rather than failures. Maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental attitude can help your loved one navigate these setbacks and continue their recovery journey.
Create a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is critical for individuals recovering from addiction. This environment can include a safe and stable living situation, a supportive family and friend network, and access to addiction services.
Family members and friends can help create a supportive environment by educating themselves about addiction, attending therapy sessions, and participating in support groups. You can help your loved one feel comfortable seeking help, discussing their feelings, and working through challenges. A supportive environment can also help reduce stress, prevent relapse, and promote long-term sobriety.
Be sure that your loved one has a stable and stress-free living situation can significantly impact their recovery. Simple actions like removing substances from the home, creating a calm and supportive atmosphere, and being available to talk can make a big difference in their journey towards long-term sobriety.
Fostering Personal Growth
Individuals in recovery need to develop new skills, strategies, and perspectives to maintain sobriety and achieve long-term recovery. You can do this by encouraging your loved one to participate in therapy, support groups, and other activities that promote personal development. By focusing on personal growth, you can help your loved one develop a sense of purpose, build self-esteem, and create a fulfilling life. This, in turn, can help them stay positive, motivated, and committed to their recovery journey. Remember to remain hopeful, supportive, and patient, as recovery is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort and commitment.
Encouraging your loved one to explore new hobbies, set personal goals, and engage in activities that promote self-improvement can be incredibly beneficial. These activities not only provide a sense of accomplishment but also help in building a new, substance-free identity that is crucial for long-term recovery.
Set Boundaries
As uncomfortable as it may seem, setting healthy boundaries is an important part of helping a loved one maintain sobriety. The line between supporting your loved one and enabling them is very thin, and you need to make sure you know where to draw that line.
In addition, practicing self-care is crucial in maintaining these boundaries. Neglecting your own needs can lead to increased illness and emotional struggles, making it harder to support your loved one effectively. Involving other family members in the self-care process during treatment can provide additional support and improve mental and emotional well-being.
Codependency is very common for those struggling with addiction, especially if it is a family member. You need to identify any enabling habits to protect yourself as well as the success of your loved one. This may include requiring certain things from them to encourage more responsibility, or you may have to set certain rules.
Help Your Loved One Maintain Sobriety With The Lakes Treatment Center
Whether you have a friend or a family member who is in addiction recovery, it can be difficult to know how to help them. Helping a loved one maintain sobriety is a big commitment, especially if you want to take an active part in their new life. Thankfully, with these tips, you can become a significant part of their support system, ensuring they are able to maintain sobriety.
Ongoing support is crucial for sustained recovery, as it helps individuals navigate life after addiction by providing continuous therapy, community connection, and purposeful living. That’s one of the reasons why so many individuals choose The Lakes Treatment Center for drug or alcohol addiction recovery.
The Lakes Treatment Center is a fully accredited rehab facility helping individuals survive and thrive during their recovery journeys. We are passionate about addressing any loved one’s addiction and helping family and friends seek support for their loved ones.
Do you want to help a loved one receive treatment for long-term sobriety? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center.
