Published: 2/1/2021
Supporting a recovering alcoholic isn't always an easy journey. The road to recovery takes a toll not only on the recovering alcoholic but on the people close to them as well. Alcohol addiction is a disease.
Although others on the outside would like to think a recovering alcoholic simply needs to stop drinking to get better, there's much more to recovery. Quitting all at once sometimes isn't an option. Depending on how dependent and reliant the person is on alcohol, they may even need to wean themselves off the drug slowly.
Knowing how to support a recovering alcoholic is beneficial in many ways. Having this knowledge will not only better support the person in recovery, but it'll take some stress off of you as well.
In the guide below, you'll learn several ways you can support a recovering alcoholic sibling, a recovering alcoholic spouse, or anyone else close to you trying to find sobriety. Continue reading to find out more!
When a recovering alcoholic is in a substance abuse recovery home or a drug rehab in Indianapolis, they may have some type of treatment plan given to them by the professionals trying to help. These treatment plans tend to be designed for an individual's specific needs.
It's essential you encourage them to follow their treatment plan thoroughly. Some treatment plans include group or individual therapy, pharmaceutical treatment, case management, family therapy, and more. As a supporter, it's vital you encourage them to follow their treatment plan.
Some recovering alcoholics have trouble following their treatment plans due to feeling unmotivated, not keeping up with appointments, being in denial, and other reasons. Show them support and ensure they stick with their plan.
As a recovering alcoholic, your loved one will have different triggers. Being around others drinking or having a small drink themselves can trigger a relapse. Do your best to avoid triggering their drinking habits.
Don't drink around them or invite them out to places where lots of drinking occurs. The best option is to keep them away from any drugs or alcohol.
Think of different ways to spend time with the person in recovery without having to place them around triggers. If you enjoy a drink yourself on occasion, then you'll want to refrain from drinking in their presence.
Begin to help your loved one build a community of friends and supporters who don't partake in drinking alcohol or any other drugs either.
What started the drinking problem? Was it stress factors in their life? Do they drink to forget trauma?
These are important questions you should know the answer to. Knowing why this person turns to alcohol can help you work with them on building coping mechanisms. Drinking is a coping mechanism of their choice, but not a healthy one.
What are some healthy ways you can help them reduce their stress levels or heal from past trauma? Meditation, focusing on a favorite hobby, attending therapy sessions, and having someone there to listen are all great coping mechanisms to teach them.
Your loved one will need as much support as possible. If you're not sure of any other ways to help support them, then take the time to ask them. Ask them what they need.
If there are any current family conflicts, then do your best to resolve them or reduce them. Conflicts within the family can add to the recovering person's stress.
You should also remember to let them know you care, not only by telling them but showing them as well. Practice good communication skills and stay flexible. Spend time with this person engaging in positive activities.
Aside from a substance abuse recovery center, there will be many other support groups your loved one can also join. Peer-support groups are a wonderful way to support the recovering alcoholic in your life. The people in these groups are recovering addicts themselves and can provide your loved one with understanding.
They can consider joining support groups for recovering alcoholics, but they can also consider joining support groups for certain disorders they may suffer from. There are support groups for those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Schizophrenia, and more.
Your loved one might not take it upon him or herself to find these different support groups. Do the research, find helpful support groups in your area, and then present these groups to them.
Your loved one is dealing with a mental health disorder. There will be times they feel the urge to revert back to their old bad habits. It's important you know the signs of relapse to prevent them from falling back into drinking too far.
Keep in mind, however, everyone doesn't have the same relapse signs. This is something you'll need to discuss with a professional. When the treatment plan is created, you can ask about potential relapse signs to be on the lookout for.
This is also the perfect time to ask what steps you should take if you were to notice any of these signs.
The more educated you are on the topic, the better. You'll be able to understand what your loved one is going through and how to help them best. Speak with the professionals at the recovery center and at the support groups and do some research on your own.
It's also important to stay involved. It won't always be easy, but staying involved and continuously encouraging them to heal will bring positivity to the situation.
If you have a recovering alcoholic in your life, then you should know how to support them. Knowing how to support a recovering alcoholic can make all the difference. It's not an easy task, but with the right tools, you can be the support they need.
To find out more about our own recovery program, give us a call today, and be sure to fill out an online residency application.
