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The first thing a person needs to do to be a successful supporter of an addicted spouse is to get help themselves. After witnessing our loved one go through the depths of addiction, we experience our own set of negative emotions that cause lasting harm and injury.
Stop Blaming
The blame game that is a ritual of addicts’ spouses must be put to an end immediately. “I lost this,” “it is their fault this happened,” “we have no friends because” are hurtful statements that are vindictive in nature and have no place in the recovery process.
Strength in Numbers
Finding a support group after alcohol or drug treatment can work wonders for the healing process and it is true that there is strength in numbers. There are many support groups locally that have people just like you who are need of help and having confidence in knowing that we aren’t alone can build resiliency.
The Element of Trust
Trust is another big component of support for the addicted spouse. They need to know that you believe in them, and when they tell you they aren’t using you need to believe them.
Be Vigilant
As we watch out partners struggle with addiction, don’t be surprised if there is a relapse to bad behavior – it happens more than we want to acknowledge. Keep a caring, watchful eye on your spouse – you’ve been down this road before and know what addiction looks like, so you’ll recognize it immediately.
Contact An Admissions Counselor
If you have coverage of any kind from a major insurance provider, your treatment is likely covered!
How to support a loved one in recovery?
The recovery process may seem daunting; however, there are many ways you can support your loved one while maintaining your own health and wellbeing, including: Educating yourself about addiction and recovery. Setting healthy boundaries and avoiding enabling your loved one. Continuously encouraging your loved to enter and remain in treatment.
What to do if you have prescription drugs?
If you have any prescription drugs, make sure they are safely disposed or locked away. Offer to help your loved one clear their home of any tempting substances, as well. In addition to mitigating at-home relapse risks, you can also help your loved one avoid social situations that may be triggering.
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How to maintain a supportive role in recovery?
In order to maintain a supportive, non-enabling role in your loved one’s recovery, you’ll need to set boundaries. Be clear with your loved one about what you will and will not accept, and make sure your own mental and physical health are respected.
Why is honesty important?
When honesty is praised, your loved one can confidently speak up to share their struggles with you and seek help. It’s important to not only be honest with your loved one but with yourself. Denial won’t help, and the longer you suppress your concerns, the more time the situation has to fester and get worse.
Why is it important to remove substances from your environment?
Removing substances from your loved one’s immediate environment will help them focus energy on positive, healing thoughts instead of on willpower and self-policing.
What does "enabler" mean in a relationship?
It maintains honesty and does not excuse unacceptable behavior. It maintains love and balance devoid of the resentments formed when you attempt to shoulder your loved one’s responsibilities. If you’re an enabler, you are perpetuating your loved one’s addiction.
What to do after completing drug rehab?
Prepare for setbacks. Even after completing drug rehab, your spouse may struggle on the path of addiction recovery. Hurdles can range from lying, manipulating and selfishness to full-blown relapse. Don’t take relapse personally. Your spouse’s recovery involves you, but it is really about them.
What is counseling for spouse?
In counseling, you’ll be able to practice new communication skills and work together to identify and manage feelings. Know that your relationship is going to change. Your spouse’s progress may be slow, or it may be surprisingly quick. They may meet new friends, excel at work and perhaps even outshine you.
How to help your spouse with alcoholism?
Be patient. Even without drugs or alcohol, your spouse may not become the person you’ve always hoped they’d be – at least not quickly. It will take time for them to fulfill family responsibilities, and it may take time for you to be ready to put those responsibilities back in their hands. Work on forgiveness.
What does a recovering spouse need more than anything?
What a recovering spouse needs more than anything is the support of their partner. A study by researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that men recovering from addiction are more likely to relapse if they feel that their partner is critical of them.
How to help your spouse with sobriety?
Try to understand your spouse’s journey into sobriety and the obstacles and personal torment they’ve faced. Open the lines of communication. Talk to your spouse about the kind of support they need , taking care not to sacrifice your own emotional, physical or mental health.
What is the lowest point in a marriage?
One of the lowest points in a marriage may come when one spouse is battling an addiction to alcohol or drugs. There are challenges throughout the process of addiction recovery, from the feelings of powerlessness a spouse feels while their partner is actively abusing drugs or alcohol to the odd combination of hope and anger ...
Why do addicts need to be selfish?
During that time, addicts and alcoholics need to be somewhat “selfish,” focusing on themselves in order to maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives and their self-esteem. This can leave spouses feeling neglected and resentful. What a recovering spouse needs more than anything is the support of their partner.
Is it normal to have a roller coaster of emotions?
It is entirely normal to experience a roller coaster of emotions while a loved one suffers from addiction. However, there are resources available and means by which you can help. If you’re ready to discuss treatment options and available centers to help get a loved one in rehab, talk to a recovery provider now.
Is it hard to get out of rehab?
The rehab and addiction treatment processes can be hard for the individual as well as for his or her family. There are a number of concerns families have about a loved one in rehab – whether it’s finances, childcare, or staying in contact with a loved one throughout rehab. Nonetheless, for an individual to achieve recovery and for a family to start rebuilding, there are definite steps you can take to help your loved one during rehab.
Who is Destiny Bezrutczyk?
Destiny Bezrutczyk is a Digital Content Writer from west Iowa. She earned a Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature from Texas Tech University. After working as a freelance script and blog writer, she began writing content for tech startups. Maintaining a passion for words, she took on a variety of projects where her writing could help people (especially those battling mental health and substance use disorders). Today, she enjoys science fiction, trivia, and the beach.
How to cope with a spouse in rehab?
Here are some successful ways to cope while your partner is in rehab: Set healthy boundaries for yourself. Let your spouse take responsibility for their own action. Take time for your own health; eat healthy foods and get physical exercise. Give yourself permission to enjoy hobbies and stress-relieving activities.
What to do when spouse goes to rehab?
When a spouse goes into rehab, it can be helpful to also seek out a support system for yourself. Many rehabilitation facilities offer additional counseling for spouses, helping to cope with negative feelings, trust issues, and fear of the unknown.
Is it easy to be there for someone who is addicted?
Being there for a loved one who is battling addiction is not always easy , but is often the number one way of making it through the recovery process successfully. In addition, they will likely need your forgiveness and encouragement. Offering this extra effort will prove harder when you neglect your own needs.
Can you pour from an empty cup?
You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t offer any of the aforementioned actions if you are emotionally depleted. Take care of your own physical and mental health first so you are better equipped to be there for your partner.
Is addiction recovery an uphill battle?
Addiction recovery is often an uphill battle full of slips and relapses. Do the best that you can with the tools you are given, and consider outpatient detox programs when necessary.
Is it easy to get out of rehab?
Whatever the case, the rehabilitation process is rarely easy, physically or emotionally. It is best to preemptively prepare yourself and your partner before rehab to ensure the least amount of stress. Here are some ways to ease the tension when a spouse enters rehab:
What to do after a loved one goes to rehab?
After returning from rehab, your loved one may need to attend meetings regularly as part of an outpatient rehab program or a support group. During this time, your loved one will need to continue focusing on their sobriety and avoiding stressors that may cause them to relapse. It’s important not to mistake this period of essential self-care as selfishness. Don’t take it personally. As your loved one’s recovery progresses, they will begin to focus on mending other aspects of their life (including relationships, work, and hobbies).
How to educate your family about addiction?
Alcoholism, an Opioid addiction, and a Meth addiction are all different, and individuals act differently when under the influence of each of these substances. Educating yourself will also help you recognize potential triggers and bad influences. To get started, clear your home of any alcohol or stimulants /intoxicants.
What does it mean to help someone after rehab?
Helping a loved one after rehab means providing continual, lifelong support and love. While you cannot do the work of recovery for your loved one, you can encourage them on their journey and help them avoid SUD triggers.
How do I know if someone is relapsed?
Other signs of a potential relapse include: Sudden changes in behavior or attitude. Stop attending 12-step or support group meetings. Losing interest in hobbies.
What happens when a loved one returns from rehab?
After a loved one returns from rehab, families will likely deal with a mix of emotions. While many just want things to go back to normal, the process of recovery (for the individual and the family) is a lifelong one. When your loved one comes home, they are not “cured.”. Addictions must be faced on a daily basis.
What to expect after rehab?
Expect to develop a routine after rehab. Most rehab facilities maintain firm schedules so patients can build habits that contribute to substance-free lives. Studies show that people are more likely to drink or use drugs when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Questions about treatment?
What is the purpose of a 12-step group?
Most 12-step groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous) urge individuals to exercise and participate in activities that keep the mind busy. Keep communication open with your loved one and be patient. Also, it’s beneficial to be honest and non-judgmental with your loved one.
How to overcome a drinking problem?
While rehab is an important step in overcoming a drinking problem, aftercare programs help a person maintain their sobriety. Show interest in attending a support group meeting, like Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous, or a therapist session with your loved one.
What is the role of a therapist in recovery?
A therapist will be able to discuss your feelings and emotions, as well as guide you in the best ways to support their recovery. The choice to go into recovery is a big deal for everyone who does it.
How to help someone in recovery?
Remember, you can help your loved one by something as simple as providing a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen when they’re in need. 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.
Is alcohol rehab good for recovery?
While alcohol rehab is an important step in the recovery process, there’s still much work to be done afterwards in order to maintain sobriety. Some days, your loved one will feel happy and strong about their alcohol-free lifestyle.
Is alcohol recovery unique?
The alcohol recovery process is unique for each individual. There’s no precise formula that depicts everything you’ll need to know about your loved one’s recovery journey. But there are some basic thought-processes you can start from and build on. In doing so, your words and actions will be more personal and heartfelt.
Who is the lead writer for Alcohol Rehab Guide?
Because that’s what family and friends are for. Author — Last Edited: February 22, 2021. Carol Galbicsek. Carol is the lead writer for Alcohol Rehab Guide.
Can you do the work for your loved one?
Although you cannot do the work for your loved one , there are many ways that you can encourage and support them along their journey to a lasting recovery. Sometimes it can be tricky to know what you should do or say. You may worry about choosing the wrong words or smothering them too much. Because of this, consider scheduling an appointment ...
How does privacy affect drug rehab?
Strict medical privacy rules prevent drug rehab facilities from sharing information about people going through rehab. Many facilities minimize contact with the “outside world” for a period of time at first so that patients can focus solely on detoxing and taking the first often-scary steps toward sobriety. Once your loved one is allowed to contact you, do not take it personally if it takes a while for him or her to do so. The addict may still experience fear and shame, and you can take your cues from your loved one about the best things to talk about to be supportive, whether that is news from home, baseball scores, or some topic or hobby that is important to him or her.
How to support loved one in rehab?
How to Support Your Loved One in Rehab. If someone you love has chosen to enter drug rehab, you have real reason to hope for a brighter future – for them and for you. Family members and friends often experience a roller coaster of emotions when their loved one enters rehab to recover from drug addiction, and this is entirely normal. ...
Why is family involvement important in substance abuse?
Family involvement encourages treatment completion, improves family and social functioning, and reduces the chances of relapse.
Do addicts blame themselves?
Some family members and friends blame themselves, or wonder what they could have done to prevent someone from developing a full-blown addiction, but there is no point in self-blame. The factors that contribute to drug addiction are too complex ...
Is it hard to imagine addiction?
It is easy to think you know what addiction is like, but unless you have had an addiction yourself, it is hard to imagine. Furthermore, different types of addictions present in different ways and have different risks and prognoses. In other words, every individual’s addiction is unique, and the first step to helping is to understand characteristics ...
Can you contact your loved one?
Once your loved one is allowed to contact you, do not take it personally if it takes a while for him or her to do so. The addict may still experience fear and shame, and you can take your cues from your loved one about the best things to talk about to be supportive, whether that is news from home, baseball scores, ...
Is a syringe a therapy?
It is not therapy, but will allow you to express your concerns, ask questions, and learn more about addiction, addiction treatment, and what factors help with success.