If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with substance abuse, providing support during recovery is essential. Addiction recovery, whether from alcohol or other substances, is a very long process and comes with many risks of relapsing along the way. Because of this, your role within their support system will help provide them with the encouragement and accountability they need for long-term recovery.
In this article, we will be discussing why providing support during recovery is essential for loved ones and the do’s and don’ts when it comes to supporting somebody battling an addiction.
Introduction to Support Networks in Addiction Recovery
According to the National Institute, substance use disorders affect millions of individuals and their families every year. Recovery largely depends on the individual in question, including substance abuse treatment, support groups, and ongoing support to help individuals struggling with addiction.
Support groups may include:
- 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, which provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who are going through similar situations
- Community support groups, which provide a platform for individuals to learn from others, share their own experiences, and receive feedback and encouragement
- Peer support groups, which are shown to be highly effective in promoting positive change and reducing the risk of relapse
A strong network of support can help those in recovery find the encouragement and accountability they need to navigate the challenges of sobriety and make positive changes in their lives. Below, we discuss the role of a solid support system and how it can positively impact the recovery process.
Understanding the Role of a Support System For Those in Recovery
Isolation is one of the biggest dangers to those in recovery, making the journey even more challenging. Struggling with addiction is already a very isolating thing and can greatly contribute to relapsing. That is why it is essential for those in addiction recovery to have a support system in place to encourage them and help them stay accountable.
For most people in recovery, this support system will be made up of family members and close friends, but it could also include friends and sobriety or mental health professionals.
A support system is there to help those in recovery learn new life skills, adjust to a sober life, and avoid temptation and triggers. Loved ones also help to provide clarity and positivity, which helps those battling addiction avoid becoming too negative or self-criticizing. By building a strong social network, those in recovery can find the encouragement and accountability they need to navigate the challenges of sobriety and make positive changes in their lives.
Providing Support During Recovery: Do’s and Don’ts
Those who are going through addiction recovery are going to face a variety of challenges along the way. In the early stages of recovery, individuals may still be navigating their relationships and influences, making it crucial to provide consistent support. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and there will always be triggers and temptations that they will have to learn how to navigate.
As important as their family support system is, loved ones can also negatively impact a person’s recovery journey.
Here is a breakdown of what to do and what not to do when providing support during recovery.
What to Do
Whether you are a friend or a family member, there are many ways you can provide recovery support, such as:
- Be an Example: One of the best ways to support a loved one in recovery is to simply model what a normal and healthy life looks like. You could do this by incorporating them more into your daily life, showing them that a sober life is attainable and rewarding. Involving them in activities with group members from support groups can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
- Listen: A big part of providing support during recovery is simply being there to listen to your loved one, emphasizing the importance of open communication. You need to be upfront with them, letting them know that you support them and are there whenever they need you. This opens the door and allows them to feel more comfortable coming to you to talk about their feelings.
- Encourage Sober Fun: Those recovering from addiction often struggle to fill up all of the free time they are left with. You can support your loved one by helping them find sober activities to fill their free time, which will also help to reduce temptation. This can include things like learning new skills, going back to old hobbies, taking walks together, and more.
- Educate Yourself: Addiction is a very complex topic, and there is a significant stigma around it. Because of this, one of the main ways to provide support for a loved one is to simply learn about addiction so that you can approach them more empathetically.
- Actively Participate: Possibly the best way to truly show your support for your loved one is to actively show up in their recovery journey, reinforcing the strength of their support network. You can take an active part in this process by attending their meetings and therapy sessions, which will also help you to better understand what they are going through.
What Not to Do
As important as showing up for your loved one is during their recovery journey, there are also several things you need to avoid doing, such as:
- Labeling Them: Those struggling with substance use are often labeled in a variety of ways, such as being called addicts. This type of judgmental language may not be coming from a bad place, but it definitely comes with a stigma and may make your loved one feel judged. Because of this, it is best to refrain from any type of judgmental or labeling language when talking to them or about them.
- Bringing Up the Past: Friends and family members of those battling addiction have often been the most negatively impacted by their behavior and actions, as have other members of their support network. This can result in unresolved bitterness or frustration. However, it is essential that you do not bring up the past or place blame, as this will most likely only lead to your loved one pulling away from you.
- Hyper-Fixating: As part of your loved one’s support system, you have a certain amount of responsibility when it comes to ensuring your loved one is maintaining sobriety. But, this does not mean that you need to hyper-fixate on their life or behavior, as they need to learn to make decisions on their own. Avoid encouraging new relationships immediately after recovery, as they can overwhelm individuals still focusing on self-improvement.
- Making Excuses: Although you do not want to blame them or make them intentionally feel bad, you also don’t want to excuse past behavior or the severity of their addiction. A significant part of recovery is admitting that they have a problem, so you never want to try to save them from the reality of their addiction. Trying to shelter or save loved ones from the reality of their substance use often crosses the line and turns into being an enabler.
- Comparing: It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing your loved one to other friends, family members, or people in recovery, but this social behavior can lead to more shame and withdrawal. However, this is not going to encourage them or motivate them in their recovery journey. Comparing them to others will only lead to more shame, which could result in them pulling away when they need you the most.
Self-Help Strategies for Those in the Recovery Process
Self-help strategies are an essential part of the recovery process, as they enable individuals to take control of their lives and make positive changes.
Some of the best options include:
Leveraging Community Resources
Part of self-love is seeking out the community resources necessary to battle drug use and build a sober, happy life.
This can take many forms:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- Coaching for self-efficacy in cases of low confidence
- Community healthcare for clinics in cases of low or no health insurance
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Reducing stress and anxiety is crucial for individuals in recovery, as these emotions can trigger relapse. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation or yoga, can help individuals manage their emotions and stay focused on their recovery.
Creating a Balanced Lifestyle
This should include stress management techniques and strong social support, as it can significantly enhance the recovery process and contribute to long-term sobriety.
Find Addiction Treatment For Your Loved One With The Lakes Treatment Center
Providing support during recovery for a loved one could come with many challenges, but simply making the effort to support recovery can have a huge impact.
Those going through recovery need to feel as though they are being supported and have people who believe in them, even when they don’t believe in themselves. With these tips, you should be able to provide support and encouragement so that they can maintain long-term recovery.
Do you want to help your loved one start recovery or continue their recovery journey? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center for more addiction recovery resources and treatments for loved ones.
