Those who suffer from drug addiction should be considered victims. Many who fell in love wrongly with this vice have done so by accident. Most may have been fighting their demons in life that led them to that point, and that’s how drug addiction came into being. But it isn’t the end of their journey. As they say, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Going through drug rehabilitation and treatment is a good choice, but it’s also not going to be easy.
With that, loved ones of family members and friends going through recovery can help walk with them in this journey. There are many different avenues of support to help bring their life back in order. Those closest to the drug victims have some of the most vital roles to play and help them on the road to recovery.
If someone dear to you is currently going through drug rehab for their addiction, then you have to be aware that there are many things you can do to support them through this process, starting with helping them find the answers to the question, ‘how do you deal with drug addiction.’ Let the list below guide you.
Check In On Them Regularly And Listen Actively
Whether you live close to your loved one going through the addiction recovery, it’s always a good idea to check in on them regularly and listen actively to what they may say. Some individuals are very good at hiding their emotions and fears on the outside – as if they look perfectly fine. Recovery, however, can be a long and daunting process. It can send even those who seem to have it all into a difficult position.
Likewise, they want to be heard and listened to. You don’t always have to say anything or give advice. Many of those in recovery don’t necessarily need unsolicited advice, to begin with. All these people need is an open and willing heart and pair of ears who truly listens. When you give your loved ones that, you make them feel like they’re not alone in their journey to recovery.
Educate Yourself On Addiction And Recovery
You don’t need to act like a counselor to learn and master everything there is to know about addiction and recovery. However, it pays to get a gist of the basics of addiction and recovery. The more you know about it, the better you can support your loved ones in their journey to recovery.
For instance, there are many aspects of addiction and recovery for you to be familiar with. These include health issues, psychological and physiological changes in their body, and any other potential triggers they may experience. Family members will find it easier to assist their loved ones through recovery when they can relate more, as they understand what addiction is.
Encourage Them To Attend And Stay In Treatment And Rehabilitation
One of the hardest things you can ever teach your loved one going through recovery is to be patient about attending and staying in treatment and rehabilitation. It’s not easy, and many may find going to the rehab center an unpleasant experience. But that’s one thing that’s needed.
Remember that no matter how united and supportive you and all your loved ones are, there’s no substitute for the expertise of professional counselors working in the treatment and rehabilitation facility.
Avoid Giving Unnecessary Arguments And Causing Friction
Recovery is already a challenging time for your loved one per se. So, don’t add to all the emotions they’re going through, and avoid giving unnecessary comments and unsolicited advice that may only cause friction. Be as understanding as possible. Family stress is one of the top contributors to drug addiction, so you would not want them to experience that again in the first place.
Any hurtful words you might say could potentially exacerbate whatever mental health issues or anxiety they may be going through. Be careful with what you say, and only facilitate constructive criticisms when needed. Do this out of love, not out of spite.
Encourage Total Abstinence From Alcohol And Other Drugs
If you’re an alcoholic, you may want to stay out of those drinks temporarily while you’re with your loved one. Be sure not to be that loved one that leads them to temptation. Instead, be as encouraging as you could be to help them stay out of alcoholism and other vices.
Note that even small amounts can trigger any relapse. You can support total abstinence by explaining that such is one of the valuable keys to recovery.
Takeaway
Watching a loved one battle drug addiction is one of the hardest things you could ever witness. True enough, the solution is to go through drug rehabilitation. But even then, it doesn’t make the recovery process any easier. They can use all the support they can have from those dearest to them, including you. Recovery is a lifelong process, so the tips above are worth exploring and learning. You can start today by taking an active position in helping your loved ones through their recovery.