Substance use problems are often a sensitive subject among friends and families, and most people aren’t sure how to talk about it, much less provide practical support for the affected person. Encouraging a loved one to undergo behavioral health treatment or residential treatment is a great start, and it can make a big difference. However, their full recovery requires your full support.
How to Help Your Loved One Stay Sober
Most people view recovery from an addiction or other substance use problem as something that the affected person must handle alone. They are unaware of the ways they can help their loved ones break free from addiction and maintain their sobriety in the years that follow treatment. In addition to encouraging them to undergo behavioral health treatment, there is much you can do to provide support and encouragement that makes all the difference in the life of someone struggling with substance use.
Here are 3 key ways you can support your loved one on their recovery journey:
- Make your home a safe, nurturing, sober environment. If you live with your loved one, you can play a direct role in minimizing temptation and reducing stress. Many people who struggle with substance use problems find that their desire to drink or use drugs is especially heightened in the evening or when they are spending idle time at home, especially if their home is a chaotic, stressful environment. Even things as simple as remaining organized and reducing the level of noise in your home can help your loved one view it as a stable, safe environment.
- Help them create a system for faithfully continuing and/or completing their treatment. Sometimes a little bit of accountability goes a long way, and this is certainly true when it comes to encouraging loved ones to follow through with substance use treatments and support. Whether these treatments involve medication, group therapy, meetings, or any combination of the above, you can help your loved one by putting together a calendar, setting reminders, or otherwise making sure they do not increase their risk of relapse by forgoing continuation of important recovery services.
- Be a willing, available, and nonjudgmental listener. You may never truly understand what your loved one is going through as they fight for recovery, but you have what it takes to be a great listener. Letting your loved one know that you hear them and that you accept them may give them a sense of connectedness and belonging, providing them the courage they need to press on in their journey toward sobriety and renewed health.
We Can Help You Encourage Your Loved One in the Right Direction
At Therapeutic Solutions, we understand that true recovery cannot happen without the help of loved ones. Those who come to our Northern California behavioral health center are not expected to recover in isolation. We provide resources and services for family members of people dealing with substance use problems, so that you can be a stable, nurturing, and supportive presence in your loved one’s life, which is critical to their recovery. Reach out to us today to request your assessment and learn about our programs.
Call (530) 899-3150 today or send us a message to speak to a member of our behavioral health team in Chico.
