When a family member enters a drug and alcohol treatment center, they have taken a major step in their life. Therefore, now is the time to ensure they get the positive reinforcement they want and need.
When someone has a substance use disorder (SUD), it gradually worsens over time. As the illness progresses, so does the addiction. As a result, a user will experience cravings they cannot control, which keeps them from fulfilling their work or school responsibilities. They may also take risks or behave recklessly. Many users give up activities that once meant a great deal to them.
Therefore, it feels exhilarating to hear when a loved one asks, “What treatment centers near me can help with my addiction?” However, you have to take baby steps, as anyone entering a recovery program can feel, at first, uncertain and fragile emotionally.
Codependency and Addiction
There is also a problem, in some relationships, with codependency. Codependency is a behavior where you try to help a loved one with an SUD, but, instead, enable them. In these cases, the person who tries to help may forget their own needs to take care of the person struggling with the addiction.
If you have made excuses for a loved one’s behavior because of drug or alcohol use or paid for damages that resulted from their being impaired, you also need counseling. Both you and your loved one can set yourself free of these activities through psychotherapy.
How to Give Your Loved One Support
When your loved one is in a treatment center, you want to ensure their care by allowing the staff to fully focus on their jobs. You can lend your support, as well, by sending your loved one encouraging notes with meditations. Let them know that you are proud of them and keep things positive.
Usually, rehab facilities frown upon the use of emails or electronics when a patient is going through detox and rehab. Therefore, it is better to focus on writing a letter or note. Not only is it more personal, it ends up meaning a lot more to the recipient.
Let Them Know How Much their Decision Means to You
Entering a drug and alcohol treatment center can be frightening the first time. Therefore, hearing from a family member or spouse can offer a great deal of comfort. Each letter or note you write should always convey your support. Let them know how meaningful their decision is to you.
Both you and your loved one will feel emotional once the decision is made to enter a treatment center. These emotions may take the form of concern, relief, anger, or sadness. Whenever you write anything, remember what a person in rehab normally wants to feel. They want to feel like they are being heard and that you understand them.
If there are extenuating issues involved with the addiction that involve neglect, abuse, or fiances, address these problems with a counselor. Most recovery programs support family involvement So, if there are issues with codependency or other relationship issues, you need to speak with a therapist.
