There are many situations that lead to supporting the choice of a loved one as they enter a residential treatment center. The therapeutic recovery center offered by New Roads Behavioral Health can be a catalyst for positive change and permanent recovery; but recovery is a choice made by each individual that begins the program. Support loved ones as they begin this process even if it is difficult. It is mentally and also emotionally tasking for all involved. The process can be difficult, but it is always worth the hard work that it takes. For those that find yourself in the position of supporting a loved one, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
First, supporting some one in recovery doesn’t make you their watch dog, necessarily. Respecting their unique process is something that needs to be understood. Everyone reacts differently to each step of recovery. While some may require a drug detox period, others may need more space and time to heal. For people that have fallen into a pattern of addiction and substance abuse, the process may be very different than some one with the same concerns that they have because their bodies respond differently to the process of regulating itself without outside forces. Finding a place of understanding and learning to exhibit empathy for those in recovery can help them see that you are trying to be a source for support. Learn to communicate with your loved one in a way that makes them feel comfortable, safe and supported. Know that the stigma often assigned to people that struggle with mental health and substance abuse can be very misleading. Those affected by different challenges are not “bad” or “ruined”. They can recovery if that is their choice, they just need to learn the right skills to manage a more healthy lifestyle.
Find balance for yourself. Admitting a loved one and seeing their transformation is powerful. Even if you think that you are completely spot free and flawless, there are skills that family and group therapy can teach you to better interact with loved ones that are in treatment. Find humility, research other resources and offer your pride up to seek help for any unresolved conflicts you may have. Make the most of this time and find the help you need in addition to helping your loved one. Reducing stress in your life can help you maintain a good relationship with others in your support circle. Find the time to take care of yourself. Make sure your financial, physical and emotional needs are being met so that you can then provide the best for those that are recovering.
More directly, here is a list from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence on what not to do:
Some Things You Don’t Want To Do:
Don’t Preach: Don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize. Don’t Be a Martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs. Don’t Cover Up, lie or make excuses for them and their behavior. Don’t Assume Their Responsibilities: Taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior. Don’t Argue When Using: Arguing with the person when they are using alcohol or drugs is not helpful; at that point they can’t have a rational conversation.Don’t Feel Guilty or responsible for their behavior, it’s not your fault. Don’t Join Them: Don’t try to keep up with them by drinking or using yourself.
NCADD : Helping a Family Member or Friendhttps://ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/helping-a-family-member-or-friend
Intervening when an individual is in the throws of harmful behaviors can be a very sensitive time. It is best to keep the relationship supportive, non-judgmental and open to the change that will happen in recovery. A professionally guided intervention can help break the cycle and help the people effected see that they could benefit from the added support that a therapeutic residential treatment center can provide. It is imperative that the professional level of help reside with an intervention. With a community of support for mental health and physical health, these environments with experts in the field are extremely beneficial to recovery as they re-learn how to care for themselves and increase the aptitude for supporting themselves through their unique challenges.
Intervention is a professionally directed, education process resulting in a face to face meeting of family members, friends and/or employer with the person in trouble with alcohol or drugs. People who struggle with addiction are often in denial about their situation and unwilling to seek treatment. They may not recognize the negative effects their behavior has on themselves and others. Intervention helps the person make the connection between their use of alcohol and drugs and the problems in their life. The goal of intervention is to present the alcohol or drug user with a structured opportunity to accept help and to make changes before things get even worse.
NCADD : Intervention Tips and Guidelineshttps://ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/intervention-tips-and-guidelines
Those that enter treatment often have a lot more on their plate than they realize. With the process of dual diagnosis, the presence of other mental health concerns in tandem with substance abuse is highly probable. Supporting loved ones with these moments of self realization is also very important. Learn to listen, support and guide loved ones in recovery with positive interactions. Gain closeness and companionship through healthy activities. Find common ground. Discovery new hobbies. All of these positive experiences can help build your relationship and gain the trust to support each other through challenging times.
We’re living in a world with billions of other people. No one should have to walk this life alone. It is possible to gain trust and build relationships with those that enter treatment. Therapy for friends and family is available with residential treatment at New Roads Behavioral Health. The assertive community model that we embody teaches all of those affected by these processes how to cope with each step. Believing in the hope for recovery and moving in a positive direction as we reach goals will provide the right assurances to see goals are met.
If you have a loved one that could benefit from professional guidance related to mental health concerns, substance abuse or addiction; the team at New Roads is ready to help: 888-358-8998.