Preparing for Home: What to Expect When Returning from Rehab
- Readjustment Period. Even if your loved one has made great progress in recovery and is fully dedicated to leading a clean and sober life, and picking up the pieces at ...
- Letting Go of Outcome. Obviously, you deeply want your loved one to stay clean and sober, to thrive in recovery, and to again be a loving and positive part of ...
- Rebuilding Trust. Addiction is destructive, and some of the first things it often brings down are the bonds between close family members.
- Prioritizing Your Health. Though it may often feel that your focus has been on your loved one’s addiction and how that has impacted that person and others in the family, ...
- Handling Relapse. Though it is not necessarily a component of recovery, there is no cure for addiction, and addiction is, by nature, a chronic disorder that is often characterized by ...
- Hope for the Future. There are no guarantees when your loved one returns home from drug rehab. While you cannot control your loved one’s choices, you can control your own.
Full Answer
What should I do when my loved one comes home from rehab?
Mar 03, 2021 · How to Support a Loved One Who Comes Home After Rehab Educate Yourself on the Addiction and Recovery Process. The first step towards helping someone who has struggled with... Prepare the House for Your Loved One to Come Home From Rehab. If you are looking to get ready to support your loved one... Be ...
How can I help my family heal from addiction?
Nov 11, 2015 · Find a local support group for families, friends or spouses of addiction where you’re able to open up about what you’re feeling and thinking when your loved one comes home from rehab. Listen to the stories and feelings from others in the group.
What should I ask my family when my loved one returns home?
Sep 02, 2014 · What To Do. The first thing I would do is ask for the family to educate themselves on addiction so they know what to expect. I usually recommend the book Staying Sober by Terence T. Gorski. The book does a good job explaining what addiction is. I recommend going to 6 Al-Anon meetings—at least to give them a try.
What happens when you leave rehab?
Make some rules. In rehab, people discover the value of being open and honest. When your loved one comes home from rehab, he may still be working on his communications skills, and you can help with that. Have a calm and open conversation about how you would like everyone in the household to behave. Come to an agreement on some ground rules. Don’t use this as an …
How do you help someone who just got out of rehab?
Small words of encouragement can go a long way in someone's recovery and sobriety. For example, remind them that you love them and are here any time of day. Staying positive and upbeat will keep them focused on fighting their drinking problem. There will be high times and low times during the recovery process.Dec 23, 2016
What is a good gift for a recovering drug addict?
'Tis the Season of Celebrating: 10 Sobriety Gift Ideas for Someone New in Addiction RecoveryPersonalized Photo Album. ... Engraved Gift. ... Adrenaline Rush. ... Funny Sobriety Items. ... Books You Loved. ... Something They Need. ... Yoga Class. ... Guided Meditation Lessons.More items...•Dec 13, 2019
What happens after you come out of rehab?
After completing detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation, a person in recovery will return to normal life. This includes work, family, friends, and hobbies. All these circles and events can trigger cravings and temptations. Research suggests most relapses occur in the first 6 months after treatment.Dec 14, 2021
What should you not ask a recovering addict?
How to Best Support a Recovering Addict: Questions to Avoid...Will you ever be able to drink or use drugs again?Why can't you just have one and then stop again?How long do you have to go to your meetings?How many times have you relapsed?Are you using right now?What's the longest you've been sober?More items...•Feb 20, 2018
How do you celebrate someone being clean?
Various Ways to Celebrate Your Sobriety BirthdayReflect & Look Back. Getting sober is something you should be proud of. ... Have a “Me” Day. ... Thank Your Loved Ones. ... Get Together with Friends & Family. ... Plan a Fun Activity. ... Share Your Story. ... Do Something New. ... Become A Mentor or Sponsor.More items...•Dec 9, 2020
What do you get someone who is one year sober?
If you want to give a recovering alcoholic a creative gift, consider something that captures the spirit of that person's first sober year. Putting together a photo collage or framing a few select pictures is the perfect way to commemorate being sober for one year.Jun 25, 2018
What is total abstinence?
While stimulant addicts are of course at the highest risk when using stimulants, “total abstinence” means avoiding other psychoactive substances as well.
Is methadone an opiate?
Opioids include heroin and prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. Though methadone is in the same family as opioids, its long activity in the body makes it suitable for reducing cravings for other opioids and easier to taper a person off of these drugs.
What did Chris feel was the contributing factor to finally getting sober?
32. What did Chris feel was the contributing factor to finally getting sober? Chris believed the factor of finally getting sober was going to the pot sink, and having to wash dishes for 18 hours a day at rehab. 33.
How do I talk to my ex about addiction?
Thoughtfully Choose Your Words. Remember that language matters, and communicate as respectfully as possible. Avoid using language that promotes harmful stereotypes about addiction. Some words can negatively influence how people with addictions feel about themselves and about their ability to recover.Oct 3, 2021
What do you ask someone in recovery?
During your loved one's recovery, It's a good idea to ask questions such as “How are you feeling?” and “What do you need?” The key is having honest and healthy conversations and letting loved ones know that they can come to you for support and guidance.Oct 2, 2018
What happens if you relapse?
Relapse happens – not just in addiction, but in many diseases.You don’t have that much power over your loved one; nothing you do or say will cause him or her to drink or drug again. And if he or she does relapse – it’s not on you.
Can a spouse be a victim of addiction?
Despite any finger-pointing that went on while your loved one was in active addiction, it’s extremely important to remember that you as a family member, spouse or friend are not the cause of your loved one falling victim to addiction.
Is recovery from drug addiction one size fits all?
Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction isn’t one-sized fits all. Some individuals recovery fairly smoothly, with hard work but few ups and downs. For others, it may be a very emotional process. Practice understanding and positivity as your loved one begins their healing process.
What do we tell our families about addiction?
Most of what we tell families is to give the addict room to recover. Certainly talk about the problem, but don’t try to micro manage it. Families are not God. They can’t tell their loved one what to do, and they have their own life. Many times, the family doesn’t realize they have a disease called codependency.
What is the best thing a family can do?
When family members understand they are powerless over their loved one’s addiction, they’ve taken the first step towards helping their loved one. Many families try hard to help. But as they try, they often enable their loved one in the process.
What to do when someone comes home from rehab?
When your loved one comes home from rehab, he may still be working on his communications skills, and you can help with that. Have a calm and open conversation about how you would like everyone in the household to behave. Come to an agreement on some ground rules.
How to help someone in rehab?
Take care of yourself. You cannot be constantly engrossed in someone else’s addiction recovery, even when it is someone you love. Take time out for recreation, rest, fun and emotional release. Supporting a loved one’s transition from rehab back home is a major undertaking.
What happens when you let your loved one manipulate you?
But, in fact, when you let your loved one manipulate you, you are contributing to the addictive mentality and allowing him to be a victim. Ignore problems. If there are communication or behavioral issues in the household, you need to address them. In rehab, addicts learn the importance of being open and honest.
How to stay in your loved one's life after rehab?
If you want to remain in your loved one’s life after rehab, you will need to remain involved in the recovery process. That means working with her to create a safe and supportive environment at home and continuing to be supportive, checking in frequently.
What happens when a family member goes to rehab?
When a member of your household suffers from addiction, the entire family is affected. Helping your loved one make the decision to enter rehab is the first step of healing for everyone involved. After rehab is over, and your family member is ready to return home, there is still more work to do. Now you and the rest of the family will be involved in the continuing success of the addiction recovery program.
What is addiction recovery?
Addiction recovery is about striking a new balance in life after rehab, taking control of your own actions and letting go of the need to control things outside of yourself. Your loved one is working on their internal acceptance, and will then have to figure out how to rebuild relationships with others.
Is rehab a cure?
Getting through rehab is a big achievement, and you are proud of the strength and diligence your loved one displayed. Remember that rehab is not a cure. While your loved one is better, she is still fragile. Social interactions can create a great amount of anxiety for someone who is fairly new to recovery.
What is the first thing that addiction brings down?
Addiction is destructive, and some of the first things it often brings down are the bonds between close family members. Addiction is a psychological as well as a medical disorder; it causes compulsive use of drugs and alcohol and compels the person to sacrifice everything, including personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of others, in order to get and stay high.
Is there a cure for addiction?
Though it is not necessarily a component of recovery, there is no cure for addiction, and addiction is, by nature, a chronic disorder that is often characterized by relapse. Though the goal is to avoid relapse, it’s important that families have a plan in place to manage the situation should it arise after addiction treatment. Each family will need to come up with a plan that works for them, but it may include components such as:
Can you control your loved one's choices after rehab?
There are no guarantees when your loved one returns home from drug rehab. While you cannot control your loved one’s choices, you can control your own. Treatment can be a fresh start for you as well as your family member in recovery.
Is it hard to discharge from rehab?
Discharge from a rehabilitation (rehab) facility to home can be hard for all involved. Your family member may still need a lot of assistance even though he or she no longer needs to be in a facility.
Can a family member have a new health care provider?
Your family member may have one or more new health professionals once he or she is home. Even if no new health care professionals are involved after discharge, your family member
Do all days need to be the same?
Even though all days are not the same, it helps when you have a plan for routine care. This means knowing what tasks are done each day and who will do them. If you are working with a home care agency, find out what jobs they and you will each need to do.
How to plan for discharge?
good way to start planning for discharge is by asking the doctor how long your family member is likely to be in the rehabilitation (“rehab” or “subacute”) facility. The doctor or physical therapist may have a general idea when the admission begins. But they may not know how long your family member will continue to improve, which is a requirement under Medicare and other insurance. Once improvement stops or significantly slows, insurance will discontinue payment, which may make discharge very rapid. Insurance may have other restrictions as well.
Do all days need to be the same?
Even though all days are not the same, it helps when you have a plan for routine care. This means knowing what tasks are done each day and who will do them. If you are working with a home care agency, find out what jobs they and you will each need to do.
What to do before a loved one leaves rehab?
Before your loved one leaves rehab, he will sit down with counselors and develop a detailed aftercare plan. This will make his transition back into the “real” world much easier.
What to do if your loved one relapses?
Be Afraid of Sparking a Relapse Despite the myths, nothing you do or say you can cause him to relapse; you simply don’t have that much power. If your loved one relapses, it’s not your fault. You didn’t force him to do anything. Be honest about your feelings, without the fear of the consequences.
How to avoid making your own recovery plan?
Avoid Making Your Own Recovery Plan This is especially important if your addicted loved one is a teenager or still living at home. Make sure the plan has doable, realistic goals and consequences if he fails to meet those goals. Bring up the Past It’s a given that your loved one hurt you with his drug use.
What does "bring up the past" mean?
Bring up the Past It’s a given that your loved one hurt you with his drug use. But since he’s completed a rehab program and is taking the right steps to move forward, you should be doing the same. Staying bogged down in the past is a surefire way to remain stagnant in misery.
Why is it important to be prepared for rehab?
Being prepared for rehab is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your treatment experience and come out equipped with the tools to stay healthy and sober.
How to keep your mind occupied in rehab?
Write a Letter or Keep a Journal. Check in with yourself and keep your mind occupied by writing a letter to yourself or a loved one. The letter can consist of anything that’s on your mind, from a list of goals you’d like to achieve in rehab to things you want to do when you check out.
How to get out of touch with rehab?
Look at yourself. Be honest. If necessary, make sure the courts know – whether via your own correspondence or through your attorney – that you’ll be entering a rehab facility so they are aware you may be out of touch. Even if your rehab stay is verbally understood, it’s best to get a legal “OK” on paper.
How long can you stay in rehab?
According to the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are entitled to up to 12 weeks of medical leave, so your job will be protected during your stay in rehab. If you’re a caregiver to children, elderly parents or even your pets, now is the time to make sure your loved ones are being taken care of while you’re away.
What to do when you have bills to be paid?
If you have bills that need to be paid while you’re out, make sure you sign up for automatic payments or speak to someone you trust about making sure your bills get paid. You definitely won’t want to come back, ready to tackle life, and be saddled with financial stresses.
Is it normal to be nervous about going to rehab?
Whatever it is that will get you in a relaxed state of mind and allow you to begin getting excited about this new chapter in your life, devote the time to do it. It’s normal to be nervous about going to rehab, but allow your mind to be as calm as possible in the time leading up to your departure.
What is the honeymoon phase of sobering?
The excitement of feeling empowered by being sober is the honeymoon phase when people just out of treatment are optimistic but may have unrealistic expectations. It’s also a time of adjustment for family members who don’t know what to expect.
How does addiction treatment work?
Just as addiction treatment works by involving the addict at every step, recovery takes the same involvement. It’s up to the person in recovery to manage her time and figure out the best ways to avoid stress and temptation. She’s the one who knows best how to manage ups and downs.
