There is strength in supporting each other through difficult moments in life. Recovering from addiction is one of those challenging times. Anyone can become a victim of addiction. But, pulling back from it and reclaiming your life takes strength. Recovery is not easy. There are good days and bad days. Some days are so bad that going back to substances seems like the only option. If you know someone who is trying to turn a new leaf in life, support them.
Human beings are resilient, and a little support can make the journey even more manageable. So, remember to exercise patience and empathy on your part. A recovering addict is already in a vulnerable position. Anything you do or say will leave a lasting impression. So, no matter what you do, make sure you’re supporting them. Here’s how you can help someone towards recovery:
1. Get Them into Rehab
Rehab centers are all about helping people find their balance again. Their primary purpose is to help people live a life without substance abuse. Recovery is a multidimensional process. There is more to cutting off all sources of substances. Rehab centers know how to administer care. You may be out of your expertise if you attempt to detox yourself. With minimal research, you can match to an appropriate center. With minimal research, you can match to an appropriate center. For instance, if you live in Florida, you can choose The Palm Beach Institute for addiction treatment. You can check out their facilities and admit your friend into them. Never attempt a recovery process without checking someone into rehab first.
2. Stage an Intervention
It is not unusual for people who are addicts to have struggling relationships. Addiction can lead to massive neglect. They may have children and family members who suffered because of addiction. However, don’t jump into it headfirst. Start by talking to the person you’re trying to help. Get their perspective on how they want to approach their family.
Similarly, talk to the family. Some family members want nothing to do with the person anymore. It would help if you respected everyone’s boundaries. But, those family members who agree but have no idea how to approach the recovering person help them. You may stage an intervention to help people connect. Repairing relationships can lead to positive reinforcement.
3. Expect Difficulties
You should help someone with a realistic mindset. In an ideal world, you would administer care, and the person would get better. However, the reality is far from idealism. The person you’re trying to help may not respond immediately. They may show resistance and reject your help.
In some cases, the person may feel too embarrassed to see a professional. There will be days when the person refuses to believe they have a problem. Your wellbeing matters as well. Don’t forget to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing as you administer care. If you feel like pulling back and putting some distance, you’re allowed to do so.
4. Take Them to a Doctor
A person who is in recovery will need to see a doctor. A doctor can inform them about their physical and mental status. They can also let you know if their body is in good shape or needs help. Long-term substance abuse can damage the liver and even if they have an infection. People with addiction generally have poor health. It is the lack of care and neglect on their part. Some may even have poor oral hygiene. Discolored hair, nails, and rotting teeth are possible. A doctor can also prescribe the kind of medication someone in recovery can take. These medicines are safe to use and will not cause addiction.
5. Keep Them Away from Substances
Recovering addicts may not give up substances right away, even if they just got back from rehab. There is always a chance of relapse happening. Therefore it is essential to monitor how the recovering person spends their leisure time. You can try and keep them away from bars. You can also prevent them from attending gatherings that serve alcohol. If the occasion is inevitable like a wedding, accompany them. You can also minimize hiding spaces in their house. Please don’t allow them to go out and take substances inside.
6. Look Into Online Therapy
While you may take the person to physical therapy, online therapy is far better. The person can engage with their therapist in the comfort of their house. Therapists have a wide range of skills to help recovering addicts. They use different techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and even motivational intervention. Their purpose is to help a person in recovery restructure their thoughts. Motivation is also necessary because it is not easy to come to terms with addiction. A therapist wouldn’t want the person to feel ashamed and hide behind their addiction as they make progress,
Wrap up
It is always nice to help someone. However, some cases of help need more resilience and willpower from you. Addictions are complex. If you want to help someone out of a habit, you will need tips. You can prepare yourself for denial and a rejection of your advances. But that shouldn’t falter you. Life without substances is hard, so the person may need time to accept help. It would help if you tried connecting them to rehab and a good doctor. Their families are a sound support system. Try getting them on board. You may need to monitor the person for a while. There will come a time where your efforts pay off, and the person does well without substances.
