Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery is a journey that requires compassion,
empathy, and a firm commitment to boundaries. Building on our previous discussion about
approaching addiction with understanding and seeking professional help, this article explores
effective ways to make a significant difference in your loved one’s journey and supporting their recovery.
If you’re looking to support a loved one in recovery from substance abuse, here are some tips on how to effectively support them:
Be Motivational but Firm
When supporting someone in addiction recovery, it’s crucial to strike a balance between encouragement and firmness. This means being supportive while also holding your loved one accountable for their actions. For instance, if your loved one asks for money that you suspect will be used for drugs or alcohol, it’s important to set boundaries. Instead of simply refusing, you can offer alternatives like helping them find resources to pay their rent or paying the landlord directly. This approach shows compassion while also preventing enabling behaviors.
An example of kindness and firmness in action could be a situation where a person in recovery asks their loved one to lend them money for rent, but the loved one knows that the money will likely be used to purchase drugs or alcohol. Instead of simply refusing to give them the money and leaving it at that, the loved one could sit down with their friend and explain their concerns. They could offer to help them find resources to pay their rent or offer to pay the landlord directly to ensure that the money is going towards the intended purpose.
This approach shows compassion and empathy for their friend’s struggles, while also holding them accountable for their actions and not enabling their behavior. By doing so, they are supporting their loved one in their recovery journey while also setting clear boundaries and expectations.
See From Different Perspectives Why A Person Is Using Substances
Understanding the underlying reasons for substance use is vital in the process of addiction
recovery. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with mental health issues, trauma, or life stressors. By approaching these conversations with empathy and a non-judgmental attitude, you can help your loved one address these root causes. Encourage them to seek professional drug recovery help, such as the mental health counseling services offered at New Horizons Medical, to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Example: In “Addict in the Family” by Beverly Conyers, the author highlights how family
members can better support their loved ones by understanding the emotional and psychological factors driving their addiction. By seeing things from the addict’s perspective, family members can foster a more supportive environment and learn how to help an addict more effectively.
Empower People to Commit to Recovery and Abstinence
Empowering your loved one to take control of their addiction recovery journey can be incredibly impactful. Help them set achievable goals, provide resources, and remind them of their progress. Encouraging participation in support groups, therapy sessions, and recovery programs can keep them on track.
Example: As discussed in “Addiction 101” by Peter R. Cohen, helping individuals recognize
their progress and set realistic goals is crucial for long-term recovery. Celebrate small victories
and encourage continuous engagement with recovery activities, showing how to help an addict
stay committed.
Reduce Substance Abuse through Compassion
Compassion is a powerful tool in reducing substance abuse and facilitating addiction recovery.
Recognize that addiction is a disease, not a choice. Approach your loved one with empathy and
support, encouraging them to seek professional drug recovery help without judgment. Using
understanding language can significantly impact their willingness to engage in recovery.
Example: In “Breaking Free of Addiction” by Deborah Sosin, the author emphasizes the
importance of compassionate communication and support. Instead of shaming or blaming, offer words of encouragement like, “I’m here to support you.” This approach is essential in
understanding how to help an addict in a meaningful way.
Reducing substance abuse through compassion involves using understanding language instead of judgmental language. For instance, instead of saying “just quit already,” say “I’m here to support you.” Providing guidance, structure, achievable goals, resources, and support is crucial. Encourage your loved one to attend recovery programs such as therapy sessions and support groups. If they are recovering from alcohol addiction, suggest attending regular AA meetings and setting achievable goals such as attending a certain number of meetings each week or abstaining from alcohol for a certain period of time. This approach helps them stay focused on their recovery journey and make progress towards their goals.
Help People Find New Hobbies and Interests to Keep Them in Recovery
Engaging in new hobbies and interests can provide a healthy distraction from cravings and a
sense of purpose during addiction recovery. Encourage your loved one to explore activities such as exercise, art, or volunteering. These activities can help fill the void left by substance use and promote a fulfilling lifestyle.
Example: Gabor Maté, in “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts,” highlights how finding new,
positive activities can help individuals in recovery by providing them with alternative sources of
pleasure and satisfaction. This is a key strategy in understanding how to help an addict stay
focused on their recovery.
Hiding drug use and recovery status
Many individuals in recovery struggle with the fear of stigma and may hide their drug use or
recovery status from friends and relatives. This secrecy can lead to additional stress and hinder
their recovery process. It’s important to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their struggles without judgment.
Example: Jeffrey Foote et al., in “Beyond Addiction,” stress the importance of creating an
environment of trust and safety, allowing the individual to open up about their struggles without fear of judgment or rejection. This approach can be instrumental in learning how to help an addict feel supported and understood.
Conclusion
Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery requires a compassionate, motivational, and firm approach. By understanding the reasons behind their substance use, empowering them to take control of their recovery, reducing substance abuse through compassion, and encouraging new hobbies and interests, you can help your loved one achieve long-term sobriety. Remember, your support can make all the difference in their journey towards addiction recovery.
If you are looking to learn more about drug recovery help for yourself or your loved ones, please contact the New Horizons Medical team at 888-999-2041. We offer a range of services, including opioid addiction treatment with Suboxone and Vivitrol, alcoholism treatment with
Vivitrol, mental health counseling, and psychiatry services for dual-diagnosis patients. Together,
we can support your loved one on their path to recovery and provide the drug recovery help they need.
If you would like to learn more, read this article about well-being when managing illness.