Guidelines for Supporting an Individual Striving to Overcome Substance Dependency
Supporting a loved one on their sobriety journey can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here's what you should do, and what you should avoid, according to addiction expert Akhil Anand, MD.
Stepping Up: The Right Moves
- Offer loving support: Show them unwavering love and give them positive reinforcement. This encouragement goes a long way.
- Find the right help: Assist them in finding a licensed professional or recovery program that suits their needs. Let the experts take the reins while you stay supportive.
- Taking care of yourself: It's crucial to prioritize your own well-being. Understand the impact of addiction on your life and learn to differentiate what you can control from what you can't. Don't hesitate to seek therapy or support groups for yourself.
- Be patient: Treating addiction is a long-term journey, and you'll need to be patient as they navigate through it. Setbacks are common, don't lose hope, and keep supporting them.
Stepping Back: What Not To Do
- Avoid nagging: Never issue demands, criticize, or berate them. Avoid debating or negotiating and focus on being understanding.
- Stop enabling: Don't shield them from the consequences of their actions by providing money or covering up for them.
- Don't make it all about you: Try not to center the conversation around your feelings and always remember that this is their journey.
- Encourage self-reliance: Allow them to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, even if it means facing the consequences.
- Don't give up: Be prepared for setbacks, but never lose hope. People can, and do, overcome addiction.
Remember, communication is key. Be patient, supportive, and above all, loving. And don't forget to take care of yourself in the process. For more insights, listen to the Health Essentials Podcast episode titled "Navigating Alcohol Addiction: A Guide for Loved Ones."
In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's essential to prioritize mental health not only for the individual recovering from addiction but also for those offering support. Acknowledging the significance of healthy relationships, science has shown that a supportive environment can boost one's capacity to overcome challenges, such as addiction. So, let's strive to create such an atmosphere by focusing on positive reinforcement, finding professional help, taking care of ourselves, remaining patient, and fostering open communication.
