Caring for an individual who is an addict in recovery is extremely difficult. You are probably eager to put the damage caused by substance abuse behind you. You must take the time to understand what recovery is really like for your loved one. This will allow you both to heal while also reducing the risk of relapse. This will allow you to take steps towards a healthier future, together. Read on to learn about how understanding recovery and avoiding relapse can help both you and your loved one repair your relationship that was damaged by addiction.
Accepting Stress and Learning to Relax
The side effects of addiction include long-lasting depression, anxiety, and irritability that can last for months or more. Living with a person who suffers from symptoms of addiction is not easy. However, it can help your loved one by accepting that stress will be a part of your lives together. Both you and your loved one spent a long time managing his or her addiction. You also dealt with the emotions of residential care. Now that your loved one is home, you will need to adjust to a new routine once again. This will involve accepting the stress that comes along with caring for someone who has an addiction. You must learn how to cope and come up with different ways to learn how to relax and de-stress when tensions arise. Your loved one is practicing the coping skills he or she learned in rehab while dealing with the pressures of cravings, health problems, and professional or scholastic responsibilities. While doing this, they are also trying to rebuild trust with you and others he or she loves. Be patient, and lend a friendly ear to show your loved one that you are with them during their recovery. Avoid escalating conflicts with name-calling or shouting. Mild to moderate exercise and listening to music are all effective ways to relieve stress. Both you and your loved one can benefit from these activities. Meditating and journaling are also effective relaxation techniques. These techniques are not only good for the body and the mind, but they give you options to make better choices when you might have turned to addiction before.
Understanding Recovery Is a Family Affair
Do not forget that addiction takes a toll on everyone in the family, not only the individual who abused alcohol or drugs. You must get rid of old habits, including making excuses for your loved one’s behavior. Before treatment, your loved one may have blamed intoxication on bad news or a big celebration. Now, you both must make way for a new reality defined by abstinence. There are ways to welcome this new reality into both of your lives, starting with therapy. Family therapy can help you and your family heal. It can also help everyone communicate clearly, let go of resentment, and rebuild trust. Therapy will allow you all to speak about the pain that addiction has caused as well as heal during this time of recovery. It can help everyone become aware of the difficulties that may arise during your loved one’s recovery so that everyone can remain supportive of the recovering addict. Do not forget that family is family. Remind each other frequently that a sober future is a better future, and remember that every day is a new opportunity to share, grow, and love. The Ranch PA is here to help you and your loved one heal your relationship. This starts with understanding recovery and what they are going through. If you need help with recovery, contact us at 717.969.9126. Our staff is willing and able to assist you and your family.
