Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse disorders (SUDs), including struggles with issues involving alcohol, illicit drug use, and prescription medications. There’s no denying the devastating and even deadly effects associated with substance abuse — but fortunately, addiction treatment can help break the cycle of addiction and help people take control of their lives and their health.
Medical professionals play key roles in helping people overcome their addiction, but as a loved one, you play an important part, too. In this post, the team at Triad Primary Care offers five tips to help you understand that role and the steps you can take to support your loved one through their journey.
You may not be able to experience what your loved one is going through directly, but by learning about substance abuse, you can relate better to their experience and struggles. Educating yourself also helps you be more understanding and compassionate when providing that much-needed support.
You can find a lot of information on reputable websites, and books and videos can help, too. Support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon can help support family members and other loved ones, providing opportunities to learn, connect, and share with people in a similar situation.
One of the best ways to support someone going through a chronic health issue is to be a good listener. That means listening without judgment and without offering off-the-cuff advice or “fixes” that, while provided with good intentions, may cause your loved one to shut down.
Listening doesn't always come naturally — it’s a learned skill that can provide your loved one with a sense of support, understanding, and love that can go a long way toward helping them stay on track with their recovery.
Substance abuse affects people physically and emotionally, and the recovery journey can be complex. It’s common for people in recovery to experience feelings of frustration, impatience, and even self-loathing along the way, especially when they feel progress is too slow or they have a temporary setback.
Offering encouragement and positive reinforcement and celebrating small victories help your loved one stay motivated and on track. Encourage regularly, let them know you’re proud of them, and remind them how far they’ve come.
As noted earlier, it can be very tempting to provide “fixes,” especially when a loved one is struggling. But doing so can backfire, especially if your loved one thinks you’re interfering or overstepping your boundaries.
Instead of giving advice to your loved one, consider asking them what they need or what role they’d like you to play. It’s fine to build off that and offer ways to meet those needs, but most importantly, letting your loved one know you’re ready to help can go a long way toward helping them feel empowered and in control of their life and their recovery.
Recovering from substance abuse is a long and arduous process, and your desire for your loved one to succeed can lead to feelings of impatience — on your part and for your loved one, too. It’s important to know that progress can be very subtle, and setbacks aren’t uncommon.
Staying patient and continuing to offer emotional support are critical, whether that means simply listening to your loved one or playing a more involved role. Practicing patience creates a supportive, nurturing environment where your loved one feels safe, valued, and understood.
Substance abuse and addiction are devastating to everyone involved, taking a toll not just on the one struggling with addiction, but on their loved ones, too. Your support can have a huge impact, but it also puts a strain on you. Be sure to take time to be kind to yourself, and give yourself the space and resources you need to maintain your health and wellness..
To learn more about addiction treatment and how you can play a role in your loved one’s recovery, request an appointment online or over the phone with Triad Primary Care in Greensboro, North Carolina, today.
