Supporting a Loved One Who is in Treatment

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If you have a loved one that has recently decided to enter recovery, you may not be sure how to proceed in supporting them.  Treatment and recovery are new and difficult for the whole family, not just the addict.  First and foremost, they need to know you care.  A person in recovery will slowly learn what they need.  Until then, your presence and availability speaks volumes.  Your encouragement and willingness to participate will facilitate the treatment process.  

The person going through recovery is suffering from addiction.  Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes obsessive and compulsive drug seeking habits, regardless of knowing the consequences that come with such use.  It is important for the person supporting the addict to understand that they can’t just stop their addiction.  Addiction is a neurological condition that needs to be treated through therapy for the mind, body, and spirit.  Understanding and learning as much as you can about the disease of addiction and being present for the treatment process will help the person suffering from addiction tremendously.  

Attending treatment can be intensely difficult for the addict. Graduating treatment and transitioning back into the outside world can be just as hard.  The addict has been in a protected environment for quite some time, yet they now have to learn how to live in a world where not everyone is clean and sober, like them.  Therefore, it is imperative to create a safe environment for the addict to come home to.  This may include no alcohol in the house and not having old using friends coming over for a period of time.  The addict is trying to create a new life for himself or herself, and this will mean they make some new friends and spend their free time doing things differently than they used to.  Giving them the freedom to explore themselves in their sobriety and supporting the new decisions they make will benefit them greatly.  

Living with someone who has just transitioned out of drug treatment can be just as challenging for the family member as it is for the addict.  There are twelve-step based programs such as Al-Anon that offer a program of recovery for family members.  There are also grief support groups that help to work through the emotional experience of addiction and treatment and help families learn to come together again.

The Kimberly Center is a place for healing. We welcome you to our treatment programs for substance dependence and abuse where the number one goal is restoring your or your loved one to live a healthier, happier, and more productive life. A life free from substance dependence and destructive behaviors waits. Call us now for information on our programs of treatment and start your journey today: 855-452-3683

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