Full Answer
What can I do to help my husband?
Dec 15, 2020 · Take some time to recharge your batteries by: 4 Treating yourself to a massage, facial, or pedicure. Doing a compassionate body scan (a guided meditation). Going for a hike. Journaling. Taking a yoga class. Taking a hot bath. Going to a comedy show. Going dancing. Taking a nap in the middle of the day. Practicing loving-kindness meditation.
How do I communicate with my loved ones while in rehab?
Jun 28, 2020 · I’m trying to hold it together while my husband is in rehab. We’re 2 weeks in on a 30 day program. Each day seems to get harder. I’m trying to staying positive and reach for some kind of calmness. I don’t have anyone to talk to because I don’t want people to know. I could really use some advice on how one stays strong and positive. Especially when I just want to be angry. …
How do I take care of myself?
Dec 02, 2020 · Be patient with your spouse while they recover from relapse. The best way you can show your partner that you care is to extend kindness, patience, and support throughout their treatment. Many people struggle with a mental illness that can contribute to substance abuse and make recovery even more difficult.
Is it normal to be concerned about my children,spouse or pets while I'm in rehab?
Nov 10, 2021 · Communicating With Your Loved Ones From Rehab. There are several ways to communicate with your loved ones while in rehab. It varies by program, but most centers allow phone and internet use (email) during designated times. You can also mail and receive letters. Some facilities allow your loved ones to send care packages.
How long does it take to get clean in rehab?
Most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to get sober and initiate a plan for continued recovery. Research shows that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.Nov 4, 2021
How addiction affects your life?
Addiction and your Life If you were addicted to substances, you would find yourself spending more time and money acquiring and using your drug of choice. This means you would have less time for activities you used to enjoy, such as sports and hobbies.Apr 2, 2018
How does addiction affect a person mentally?
If you or someone you care about is chronically using drugs or alcohol it can lead to changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and other problems.Jul 9, 2020
What are the 10 ways to say no to drugs?
Topic OverviewLook the person in the eye.In a firm voice, tell the person you don't want to drink or use drugs. Say something like: ... Give a reason why you don't want to drink or use drugs. ... Ask the person not to ask you to drink or use drugs again. ... If you notice that someone does have drugs, leave the area.
How to support a spouse in rehab?
In order to fully support a loved one in rehab and ensuing recovery, carve out personal time to do things you enjoy. This helps to maintain a healthy outlook, retain optimism, and keep life well-rounded and filled with satisfying activities and friends. This way, there’s always something to look forward to, and there’s less likelihood that the non-addicted spouse will suffocate the recovering spouse in the process. When the loved one is attending meetings, for example, being able to do the things that bring you pleasure will soften that absence. In this way, both of you will be doing things that are crucial to staying healthy.
What to expect when spouse comes home after rehab?
Likely the spouse coming home after rehab feels some reticence and worries how the interpersonal dynamic will be altered now that they’re sober. Be intentional about showing love and affection and consistently expressing love, despite the challenges that may be experienced during the healing journey.
What is needed to support a loved one in rehab?
To support a loved one in rehab includes many things, although love and caring are at the top of the list. Yet, more than caring is needed in the rehab and recovery journey. Both the recovering individual and his or her spouse and family are intricately involved in recovery, as addiction affects the entire family.
What are the red lines for a recovering spouse?
Since the risks of relapse are real, it’s important to draw a clearly defined set of red lines (boundaries) to ensure there won’t be any enabling of destructive behaviors on the part of the recovering spouse, should they start again. Know firmly what will not be tolerated, such as squandering mortgage money on drugs or gambling, bailing the person out of jail after a DUI or arrest, or frequent hospitalizations due to alcohol-related injuries. Physical abuse or psychological distress should never be allowed to continue. A plan is definitely required to make sure the non-addicted spouse has a ready means of handling the situation, even leaving the home environment should it become violent or unstable.
Is it scary to go to rehab?
Going to Treatment Is a Step of Faith and Can Be Scary. When the addicted spouse finally makes the decision to seek help, it’s a cause for reluctant joy. Granted, this isn’t an easy decision for anyone to make, as going to rehab is both uncertain and scary for the one seeking help, as well as the spouse who wants to support a loved one in rehab.
What is an al anon group?
There are many Al-Anon style groups that provide support for family members of users. This type of support is enormously helpful and can mean the difference between endlessly struggling and burying resentment and finding the strength and resources so vital to ensure a safe and confident foundation in being able to be there for the spouse in rehab. For the spouse of an alcoholic, Al-Anon offers the emotional support and camaraderie of being with spouses of loved ones in rehab. Talking through difficult issues and hearing the success stories and suggestions from others in similar situations make this time feel less lonely and impossible. There’s strength in numbers as well as a sense of solidarity with others who are also in the trenches of addiction and recovery.
How to return home from rehab?
Returning home from rehab is a celebratory event. Make sure the home environment is both welcoming and functional to ensure the best possible re-entry to family life. Eliminate clutter. Perhaps paint a room or two to brighten the surroundings. Be sure there are no remaining alcohol or drug supplies or paraphernalia in the area. These could serve as triggers to use and quickly prompt an unwelcome relapse.
How to support a substance abuse partner?
It can be a hard pill to swallow, but the best thing you can do to support your substance-abusing partner is to take care of yourself. You can do this by being mindful of your own needs and by diligently practicing self-care. 12-step groups for family members or loved ones may also serve as invaluable resources, ...
What does it feel like to be a partner?
It is normal to also feel pain, shame, and regret and feel like something you have done or reactions you have had are part of the problem. These are uncomfortable and sometimes “sticky” emotions, meaning that they can be hard to shake off.
Why is addiction considered a family disease?
People refer to addiction as a family disease because the turmoil, suffering, and ups and downs involve not only the addicted person but the entire family. Partners of a substance abuser are often on the frontlines, and the effects of addiction can be especially devastating to their emotional, mental, and even physical health.
What does "enabling" mean in a relationship?
Enabling is a word that is often used when talking about how partners interact with their addicted loved ones. However, many people are unsure of what it actually means and how it manifests in a relationship involving a partner who is abusing drugs or alcohol. Enabling means that the adverse consequences of another person’s negative behavior are removed or softened, which, in turn, encourages the behavior to continue. So, if your partner stays out all night and has to wake up early to meet up with friends, enabling would be waking them up or helping them get out of bed. By letting your partner experience the natural consequences of being late and having upset friends, you are helping them face the stressful and unpleasant consequences of what it means to live a life dictated by drugs and alcohol. 3 Having to face these consequences can be potentially lifesaving for the addicted person.
What does it mean when someone is enabling you?
Enabling means that the adverse consequences of another person’s negative behavior are removed or softened, which, in turn, encourages the behavior to continue.
How to help someone with chronic disease?
These include setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and letting go of the past.
How to practice self compassion?
Learning self-compassion takes time and practice. Below are some more ways to practice self-compassion: Forgive yourself and let go of the past: Forgiveness is a process, and it takes time.
Witnessing a loved one relapse can be heartbreaking and stressful
When your spouse is recovering from addiction, relapse is always an underlying danger. It’s common for people to stay single for at least a year after recovery to avoid any possible triggers -- but this isn’t always the case. Many people want to stay with their partners after receiving treatment for substance abuse.
Find Treatment
The first step in helping your spouse after they relapse is to get them into treatment. Addiction is a disease and staying sober can be difficult long after leaving rehab. It is imperative that you seek professional help for your partner.
Stay Calm
You may not know what to say when your spouse relapses, but it’s important to not immediately respond with emotion. You may say hurtful things that you’ll regret later if you react in anger. Lashing out at your spouse can push them further into addiction.
Be Patient
Recovery is a never-ending process. Recovering from a relapse can be especially difficult. Not only is the individual battling their physical dependency on the substance, but they’re also suffering mentally. Be patient with your spouse while they recover from relapse.
Take Care of Yourself
Like an addiction, relapse affects both the addict and their loved ones. It’s important to take care of yourself while you’re trying to help your spouse and cope with the situation. It’s okay to set time aside to relax and destress from all that is happening.
What are the 7 C's?
The “Seven Cs” for Your Child to Remember 1 I didn’t cause it. 2 I can’t cure it. 3 I can’t control it. 4 I can take better care of myself 5 By communicating my feelings, 6 Making healthy choices and 7 Celebrating me.
What to do if you don't have family?
If you don’t have family or friends that can help watch your children, there are other options. One is non-governmental, volunteer-based organizations like Safe Families for Children. These organizations find temporary homes for children whose parents are unable to care for them.
How long after a visit to a hospital can you talk to someone?
To help you adjust, visitors and any form of communication (email, phone calls, etc.) are typically not allowed for a period of 3-7 days after your arrival.
Can you take care of a pet while in rehab?
If family or friends are unable to take care of your pet while you’re in rehab, there are several other options. Longterm boarding is available at most boarding facilities, but lengthy stays can get expensive. A pet sitter may be a cheaper option for pets that require minimal care, like cats, fish and rodents.
What is a VPA in foster care?
If you choose to place your child in foster care, you will have to sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA). By doing so, you agree to temporarily transfer the care and custody of your child to the Department of Children’s Services. You may be responsible for paying child support each month.
How to communicate with loved ones in rehab?
It varies by program, but most centers allow phone and internet use (email) during designated times. You can also mail and receive letters. Some facilities allow your loved ones to send care packages.
Can you bring your pet to a rehab?
Be sure to tell your vet that your pet will be in the care of another person for the length of your program. If parting with your pet is absolutely not an option, some treatment centers allow patients to bring their pets with them. While this practice is becoming more popular, pet-friendly rehabs are still uncommon.
How to speak to your husband?
Speak with a firm voice at a normal, conversational volume. Respond, but don't react. If you find that you are becoming angry and defensive, or your husband is, take a break from the discussion .
How to talk to your husband about his feelings?
You should communicate with one another openly and honestly, and listen when he tells you how he feels. Be an active listener. Process what your husband is saying instead of preparing your response before he is finished speaking. Encourage him to continue by making eye contact, nodding your head, and asking questions.
What is a real partnership?
A real, true partnership only exists when both partners are working to make each other happy and fulfilled.
Who is Trudi Griffin?
This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011. This article has been viewed 129,381 times.
How to take care of yourself?
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is by practicing meditation. Meditation helps declutter the mind so you can work to eliminate anxiety, depression, and any thought disorder. So, if you find your thoughts are constantly putting you down or spiraling you into a state of panic, meditation can help. Why? Well, the left side of the brain is responsible for language and thinking. Since it has fewer connections to other parts of the brain, it tends to communicate with thoughts. The right side of the brain, also known as the creative side, tends to be quieter and better connected to other parts of the brain. Interestingly, meditation helps strengthen the right side of the brain, which naturally helps silence those loud, annoying, and mean thoughts in your head. When you practice meditation, you develop the right side of the brain, bringing a sense of mental stability.
How to take care of yourself while sitting still?
An easy way to take care of yourself while being mighty productive is to tidy up. A clean desk can help you have a clean mind. Spending an hour listening to music from your Airpods while washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or organizing papers can be an enjoyable experience now and then. After tidying up, you can breathe your sigh of relief. You’ll likely notice how distracted you were focusing on chores. By doing chores, your problems melted away from your mind for a bit of time, giving your brain a well-deserved break.
Why is it important to take care of yourself?
Now more than ever, you need to take care of yourself. Investing in your well-being is essential to ensure you’re mentally strong, happy, and at your best. Not only do you want to practice self-care physically, but you’ll also want to take care of yourself emotionally too.
What is the best way to spend time with family?
Playing games together as a family can get you all talking, joking, and hanging out together. Having dinner together is also a great way to get some laughs and good times as a family. The more you spend time with family, the more you take care of yourself because those are the people who love you more than anything.
How to tell if someone is struggling?
The easiest way to tell if someone in your life is struggling is to look at their hair. If a man looks like he doesn’t take care of his beard, likely, he might not be doing well. If a woman’s hair is oily and messy, she might likely be experiencing some challenges.
How does a sandbox help you?
It helps fight illnesses like the flu, depression, and heart disease. And it can even help aid weight loss. If you want to find a simple way to take care of yourself, consider gardening outdoors or even going for a stroll in nature. 4.
How to be happy when life isn't going well?
Have you ever noticed life always has more drama in it when you gossip about people, are ruder to people, or when you’re in a more aggressive state? Same. When life isn’t going well for you, go out of your way to be positive around people. Be more positive than usual– even if everything in you wants to scream at the top of your lungs. Before you know it, you’ll notice your environment change. Behind everyone’s backs, praise people. Be the person who compliments people to their faces and behind their backs. When posting on social media, post things that uplift other people or make people happy. Randomly message friends and family to let them know why you appreciate them. When you put out true genuine positivity in the world, it comes back to you. Often, people complain about their hostile environments, not realizing how they’re contributing to them. By making others happy, you learn how to be happy yourself.
What do you need after a cut?
After some types of surgery, you'll need to get special gear at home. Plan ahead if your doctor tells you that you need oxygen tanks, elevated toilets, shower seats, supplies to care for your cut, or other items. Get in touch with your insurance company to see if they're part of your coverage.
How to recover from a syringe surgery?
Make sure you're well supplied with the right food before you get back home. Since you may feel tired during your recovery, prepare some meals before your operation and put them in the freezer. Equipment.
How to avoid a spill?
You may need to get a walker or crutches to cut down your risk of a spill. Also try these tips to avoid stumbling: 1 Sleep in a bedroom near a bathroom. 2 Place night lights in hallways. 3 Get rid of the clutter in your home. 4 Wear flat shoes or slippers.
What happens when you pee?
Pain when you pee. Nausea and vomiting that don't go away. Racing heartbeat. Your recovery will go quicker than you think. If you've done your homework and made plans in advance, you can look forward to a quick and safe return to your regular routine. Pagination. 1.
What to do if you can't climb stairs?
Stairs. If you can't climb up and down them after your surgery, you might have to make some changes. For instance, if your bedroom is upstairs, you may need to sleep on a lower floor for a while. Ask your friends or family to move your bed before you go into the hospital, or check into renting a hospital bed if you need it. Stock your pantry.
Can you fly after eye surgery?
If you had some types of surgery, such as an operation on your eye, your doctor may warn you against flying. The change in air pressure could be harmful. Sex. You may be able to enjoy your love life soon after surgery, but it depends on the kind of operation you had.
Can you drive after a hernia surgery?
After some types of surgery, you'll need to hold off on driving until your recovery is well underway. "It's not the inability to drive. It's the inability to react if you need to react quickly," Greene says. "If you had a [hernia operation] and pain of any kind in the abdomen, you can't push on the brake.". T ravel.
How to keep yourself from being upset?
Take time to check in with yourself every day . If you like journaling or keeping lists, spend a few minutes at the end of each day reflecting over what went well, how you felt, and anything that was upsetting. If you aren’t a fan of writing things down, take a couple of minutes to sit quietly and think about your day.
Who is Lucy Yeh?
This article was co-authored by Lucy Yeh. Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance. This article has been viewed 732,749 times.
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All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not</b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
How to boost your emotional health?
Make these things a priority so your week is infused with joy-giving activities. Similarly, taking time to laugh every day can boost your emotional health.
How to set boundaries in your life?
Here are some common ways you can set up healthy boundaries in your life: Manage work stress by checking your email twice a day rather than getting a constant influx of notifications.
How to reduce stress?
To reduce stress, try doing something physical, like exercising or getting a massage. You can also try meditating, removing yourself from stressful situations, or working on your time management.
How to keep your body strong?
1. Exercise 4-5 times a week to keep your body strong. If you don’t already, add in several 30-minute workouts to your weekly routine. Do something you enjoy, like walking, jogging, biking, weight lifting, swimming, or playing some kind of group sport.