Heather Arranie 
Treating substance abuse is not straightforward. It’s full of triggers, obstacles, and ups and downs. Any Length Retreat offers comprehensive support to help individuals overcome these challenges. Through their struggle, the individual will need a solid support system consisting of those closest to them as they build a new, sober existence.
Drug and/or alcohol abuse consumes an addicted individual’s life. As the person works toward recovery, the life they grew comfortable with is erased allowing a fresh start. While treatment facilities provide essential tools to effectively face the unknown and learn to adapt to a new life, support is a key element for success.
When serving in this capacity, you may need clarification on effective ways to offer support to someone close to you. These tips guide you on constructive support for those you love navigating the challenges of substance abuse treatment.
Educated and informed
Researching substance abuse to become educated and informed as part of someone’s support system is vital in playing an integral role. Abusing drugs and alcohol can rapidly spiral into addiction, the complexities of which are challenging for close friends and family members to comprehend.
Fortunately, countless educational resources, such as treatment center programs, books, and seminars and workshops, are available to expand your knowledge. These will guide you through the intricacies of substance abuse, the recovery process, and the challenges it presents.
When you’re more informed, you’ll be more effective in your role, contributing to your loved one’s ultimate success.
Visit https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-support-someone-through-substance-use-recovery/ to learn tips on helping someone on their path to substance abuse recovery.
Attentive and present
Active listening is a skill that requires practice. The goal is to ensure the individual you communicate in a way that your loved one feels value and that you hear and understand their position. It involves being attentive and fully present in the moment, disallowing any distractions or interruptions.
Through eye contact and responses, body language should demonstrate empathy and show emotional support.
Affirming statements show your understanding and validate the individual’s feelings. That isn’t implying that you agree with what’s being said, but you appreciate and respect their views.
Encouragement
The path to recovery is fraught with emotions. Consistent encouragement and uplifting your friend or loved ones to remind them of their attributes and strength is vital. You must provide an atmosphere where the person trusts sharing experiences and expressing feelings without fearing criticism or judgment.
Boundaries
Healthy Boundaries
Clear and healthy boundaries are part of offering someone close to you adequate support as they work toward recovery. Refrain from sacrificing your wellbeing by stipulating the things you can and cannot do in your role upfront. Support doesn’t mean the individual should be less accountable for their recovery.
They must make an honest effort to participate in their care plan. That means attending therapy and going to meetings. While you can encourage them, the ultimate decision to follow through will be up to them. Assigning healthy boundaries fosters responsibility and independence.
Support Recovery
Refrain from inadvertently supporting the abusive behaviors. By shielding the individual from facing the repercussions of their actions, you’re enabling them. This can involve proving excuses, covering for them, or giving them money.
In your role, you want to encourage your friend or family member to recognize their strength in facing the consequences and take accountability instead. Go here for guidance resources for substance abuse to help someone you love seeking treatment.
Healthy Lifestyle
Physical health is a critical component of achieving recovery. You can work with your loved one by developing and participating in a wellness regimen consisting of daily fitness, nutrient-rich meals, and adequate sleep.
Establishing better habits will improve physical wellbeing and encourage resilience against poor behaviors.
Similarly, guide your friend through stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, to support mental wellness, which is equally important for effective treatment. Help them step outside their comfort zone to join activities that excite them and relieve stressors.
Practice Patience
The treatment process is non-linear; it takes time and involves both progress and setbacks as they work toward recovery. Support is most beneficial when it requires patience and realistic expectations. The path to recovery has no final destination; it’s an ongoing endeavor.
Effective support lacks judgment but is empathetic and understanding. Substance abuse doesn’t mean failure but is a condition that requires adequate treatment to manage. Supporting someone’s recovery is a significant commitment and can impact the outcome.
The individual should be celebrated every step of the way as they progress and reach even the slightest achievements. It could be one day sober; the best way to motivate the person to stay on this path is to reinforce the positive with acknowledgment and praise.
Indulge their effort with a heartfelt note, a handmade gesture, or a lunch out. The priority is recognizing and appreciating their commitment and effort to their treatment program.
Final Thought
Reaching out for substance abuse treatment takes courage and a solid commitment. A support network is vital in encouraging the individual as they move from one challenge to the next on the path to recovery.
Effective support emphasizes patience and understanding while offering a motivating and firm structure.
It would help if you became educated and informed before acting as a support system for someone in treatment. You will be integral in guiding this person to recovery and helping them maintain sobriety from that point forward; it’s a lifelong process.
