How to help a loved one in treatment is one of the most common yet frustrating aspects of addiction. You, as a person without addiction, can see what their needs are, how alcohol or drugs is impacting their health, and what they need to do to fix it. They cannot see this as easily. You just want to help. So, what can you do?
Learn How to Help a Loved One in Treatment
Exploring how to help a loved one in treatment means you want to do something. That’s important. In 2013, an estimated 4.2 percent of Americans over the age of 12 met the clinical criteria for alcohol or drug dependency, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Yet, only a fraction of this number received help. When dependency occurs, it is nearly impossible for a person to simply stop using on their own without treatment. By learning how to help, you are taking the first step in getting them the treatment they need.
What can you do?
Educate Them on Their Options: Your first step is to educate your loved one on the risks of their addiction. Many with dependency don’t recognize the impact it has on their lives (often because they think they are managing it just fine) or those around them. Then, tell them that there is help and a recovery path that can restore their health. Talk to our team at Atlantic Recovery Center to create a plan of action to meet their needs. They’re ready when you are.
Set Boundaries and Stick to Them: Addiction changes behaviors, often leading to abusive language and physical aggression. In others, it can lead to manipulative behavior. Set boundaries. If a person is using, they can’t stay in your home. Provide specific consequences for these actions. Then, stick to them no matter what.
Stop Supporting, Enabling, and Financially Allowing Addiction: If someone you love is using, cut off their financial support for those drugs and alcohol. Don’t allow them to remain at your home while they sober up. Don’t give them money to buy drugs because they are suffering from withdrawal. Learn how to help a loved one in treatment by providing
In Treatment, There’s Much You Can Do
When you learn how to help a loved one in treatment, that means your focusing on their wellbeing, recovery, and future. Here are some key things you can say and do:
- Visit them when the location allows it. Keep a positive and open mind. Encourage them to stay.
- Work with them to prepare for life at home. Aftercare treatment programs should continue, too.
- Work through relationship concerns with a therapist.
- Get involved with family therapy and counseling.
- Don’t blame, but don’t feel guilty either. Your therapist can help you.
When a person is enrolled in residential treatment programs, they are working through a lot of emotion, trauma, physical dependence, and pain. You can help them by being there to support them as their therapist and counselor encourages. Yet, you don’t have to feel as though the weight of their recovery is on your shoulders.
Learn How to Help a Loved One in Treatment by Being Ready
Addiction is a disease. It is not something they can just stop doing. Recognizing this is the first step to helping anyone face their life after treatment. Once they leave inpatient care, most people will need ongoing support and, in some cases, may need to revisit therapy later, including through intensive outpatient programs. These can help prevent or manage relapse should it occur. It’s up to you to recognize when they need more help and to ensure they gain access to it. Invest the time in working with your loved one’s counselors to know what to do and when.
Finding Help for Your Loved One Is an Option
Learning how to help a loved one in treatment is perhaps one of the most important steps you can take to save their life. It’s never simple and may even prove to be very taxing on you. Our team at Atlantic Recovery Center can help you. Contact us today by calling 1-866-824-5193 to learn more about the treatment options available for your loved one.