Many compare addiction disorder to poison or a disease. In a way, those are apt descriptions of the insidious ways this condition works.
The mechanism of addiction can be understood this way. When a person under constant or severe distress experiences a ‘high’ they’ve never felt before from something they take, their mind and body will latch onto it as a source of relief. Over time, this overrides their natural regulation processes, causing changes in their body, especially in their nervous system, to fully accommodate this thing that seems to give them so much energy and life.
But as these adjustments become more natural, the thing they’ve been hitting will start to lose its efficacy. The person now has to take more or do more with it just to experience the same ‘high.’ Inevitably, this doesn’t happen, leaving that person in a long, downward spiral as they waste their bodies and lives for the same relief.
Their relationships crumble, their health suffers, and they may get in trouble with the law. Worse, their body, which has come to see the substance or thing as an essential, collapses in an attempt to purge its traces and right itself. This launches a series of reactions known as withdrawal, which often leads to seizures, shock, and even cardiac arrest.
Considering these facts, those recovering from addiction deserve the highest respect. Pulling away from what’s fueling or triggering their addiction is no easy task from start to finish. It’s why having a support system to fall back on is a serious boon for them. And where else could they best receive this than from the people who care about them?
Here are some tips for those with loved ones working on addiction recovery:
1.Educate Yourself
Although you possess good intentions, helping your loved one clumsily might do more harm than good for both parties.
Addiction is a complex condition that severely alters a person’s body and behavior. Since the brain is involved, it can severely hamper the victim’s cognition and self-reflection. What are supposedly questionable decisions for a non-addict might be considered ‘normal’ for someone under the influence.
With such vital functions affected, deterring them from their habits can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. This is especially the case for those with dual diagnoses, where a mental issue exacerbated or created by the addiction makes regular living difficult.
Fortunately, Jackson House and other reputable mental health providers are ready to provide you with aid in this matter.
In the meantime, look for ways of tackling these issues for your loved one’s recovery to go as smoothly as possible. Know what to expect so you have more time to plan an appropriate reaction. Authentic resources will be your first defense during their worst days. So, as much as possible, work with their recovery team to further each other’s efforts.
2. Offer Your Assistance
Addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life, whether psychological or social. The longer it goes on, the deeper the consequences can be. That’s why recovery is a significant step in an addiction victim’s life.
Given how challenging it already is to stick with recovery, your loved one needs all the help they can get. That’s where you come in. Let them know that you’re always there to help them out. After all, not everyone is brave enough to ask for help. Once you tell them you’re there to support them in any way possible, they might be more encouraged to tackle the challenges of living sober.
If you have the time (and they’re up for it), have a straightforward discussion on which aspects you could help with. For example, if they’re having trouble caring for their children, ask how you can help them. You can get recommendations from experts on childcare. Even if they only need a shoulder to cry on or someone to remind them of their medication, be willing to lend a hand.
3. Stay In Contact
Aside from offering your assistance, you should also uphold your due diligence to keep watch over them. Check on your loved one every once in a while. You never know when a small reminder of your continued support is just what they need at the moment.
Discuss how your arrangement is supposed to be with your loved one with their recovery team. Tell them your schedule so they know when you’re available. You can set up reminders on your phone for an easier time remembering all your commitments. And, of course, plan for emergencies.
4. Eliminate Triggers
Withdrawal is one of the hardest parts of recovering from addiction. Without their usual sources of relief and stimulation, recovering addicts may be triggered by things and people who remind them of their former routines.
Give them a hand by clearing up their spaces of the things that trigger them. For example, recovering alcoholics could do well with seeing fewer liquor bottles and replacing their pub hours with a walk in the park or a favorite form of exercise.
You must also be careful of how you behave. Be someone they can look up to so they have a goal they can follow. In this case, those who also indulge in alcohol should come clean and curb their own intake.
5. Be Realistic
Even though recovery is good, it doesn’t mean the journey toward it is great. Addiction alters the body’s system to the point of changing the person’s life. Very few are lucky enough to restrain themselves before things get worse.
Although some aspects may seem beyond normalcy, there’s still more to life than the consequences of one’s actions.
Given how big of a step this is, you must steel yourself for your loved one. Learn what to do when they experience relapses or withdrawal symptoms. Above all, give them encouragement when the struggle gets rough.
6. Be Transparent
Supporting your loved one through recovery goes beyond checking on them or helping them out around the house. The main goal is to open the door to another chance at healthy living.
It might be harder to reach that goal if you simply give way to your loved one’s excuses or denial, especially if they hinder their progress. As someone supporting them, one of your responsibilities is to remind them what they need and want to do.
Ask them if it’s fine for you to offer honest feedback. Once they give the go-ahead, let them know what their recovery looks like from a different perspective. Be honest about it so they’ll recognize what they have the power to fix. In the end, it’s all about empowering them to do what’s truly best for themselves.
7. Be Vigilant
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a valuable component when recovering from addiction. Given how damaging their routines used to be, addiction patients will need all the guidance they can get to make healthy choices every day.
Of course, this will be difficult, especially during the first few periods of recovery. That’s why a constant line of communication must connect you to your loved one. That way, you encourage them to seek advice and encouragement to do what helps them, like sleeping early or going to their check-up.
Even during their rocky days, you must stay prepared to react rationally, firmly, and compassionately whenever you communicate. Remember, if it gets rough for you, you can only imagine how much worse it is for them.
8. Create A Support Network
As much as you’d want to care for your loved one, doing so all by yourself could get taxing, even for those who claim to have an iron will. When that happens, burnout and fatigue might make you more susceptible to making mistakes. That’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to help someone.
Instead of shouldering everything, consider researching reliable organizations that can help your loved one. Some respite care organizations offer aid for people in substance abuse recovery programs. Be thorough when reviewing their services to ensure your loved one gets the help they need. Plus, look up reviews from other clients they’ve taken to verify their credibility. Ask the institution questions yourself to get a good grasp of their character.
Of course, you can also turn to loved ones and friends who know the person’s situation and want to lend a hand. There’s no guilt or shame in taking a break and letting someone else do what needs to be done.
9. Be Kind
Although firmness is necessary to keep your loved one from straying, kindness also goes a long way in their recovery. Seeking help to recover from addiction takes massive amounts of courage and humility. On top of that, committing to this decision demands discipline and self-control.
Instead of criticizing them whenever they make lapses or show signs of exhaustion, emphasize their progress and highlight their achievements. Use positive language when reminding them to maintain accountability in their life. After all, they need empowerment to stay on track.
Of course, be just as kind to yourself. You can’t help them if you’re also worn to bits. Several care assistance options exist today, so don’t hesitate to find people who can help.
Know What You Must Do
Addiction is a multifaceted condition that needs the utmost support to overcome. Those who have loved ones working to do so should therefore be willing to provide just that. Work with the experts, ask questions, and keep your hands, ears, mind, and heart open to what’s good for a recovering person.
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