When you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you may find yourself looking for the best ways to support them. It’s likely that you’ll be concerned that your actions could hinder them in recovery, or that their actions leading up to recovery have caused you a great deal of trauma yourself.
In this brief article, a team member from our drug addiction treatment center in Tampa with Phoenix House Florida has shared a few tips to help you support your loved ones who are struggling with addiction while also remaining mindful of your own mental health.
#1: Be Prepared for the Long-Haul
One of the hardest lessons in drug addiction recovery is understanding that addiction is a lifelong illness. It’s easy to think that once your loved one is getting treatment that they’ll be able to go back to the person they once were, and in many ways they might, but recovery is a lifelong process. Part of that process includes understanding that they may relapse, and that is part of their recovery journey.
Being prepared for the long haul doesn’t mean enabling your loved one, but it does mean creating clear boundaries that can be long-lasting for yourself and your family. It also means that you may need ongoing support for yourself through therapy or a close-knit support system.
#2: Remember: Your Family Member Is Human
When your loved one is consumed by addiction, it’s easy to mix them up with the addiction itself. If you want to support your family member or loved one, you’ll need to remember that they are human and they are worthy of support and love.
If trust has been broken in the past, you can quickly jump to old habits and arguments that might make them feel frustrated in their recovery process. The simplest solution is to remember their humanity and try to rebuild that trust.
#3: Consider Treatment Options
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, whether it’s with drugs or alcohol, your support alone is not enough to help them through recovery. They’ll need help from specialists in drug abuse treatment in Tampa. Ultimately, the decision for drug abuse treatment is something not to be taken lightly, and your loved one should consider the differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment.
If you’re looking for help with drug addiction treatment for your loved one, Phoenix House Florida can help. Licensed therapists and specialists can discuss the best ways for you to support your loved one while getting them the help they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a specialist in drug abuse treatment in Tampa, Phoenix House Florida. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.