How to Support a Recovering Drug Addict

As your loved one transitions into a life of sobriety, you’re likely wondering how you can assist them during this time. Recovery is a lifelong process, and it requires the helping hands of a trustworthy support system. Below, we’ll walk you through how to support a recovering drug addict so you can best be of service to them on their sober journey.

Magnolia Recovery is a safe, temptation-free environment outside of Charleston, SC for women to work through the 12-steps. Contact us to learn more.

Make Yourself Available

It’s important that you let your loved one know that you’re here for them throughout their sobriety. Try to make yourself available to them in both their best and toughest times, listening to them carefully and without judgment. Having someone to trust and talk to is crucial to ensuring success in sobriety.

Help Them Seek Out a Support Group

With so much change happening in their lives, it’s a great idea to help them seek out a support group that they can rely on. Here, they can talk freely about their successes and struggles in sobriety and relate to others going through similar situations. Not only can you encourage them to find a group that works for them, but they may appreciate you providing them with a lift to the meetings so that they’re held accountable for attending.

Maintain a Substance-Free Environment

Removing temptation is also very helpful for a recovering addict. If you’re living with the addicted, clear your home of any substances. When going out together, seek out events that are not centered on the use of substances. And, if your loved one is thinking about hanging out with former friends who were a bad influence on them, lightly encourage them to steer clear so they can stay on track.

Enjoy Healthy Activities Together

In lieu of substance-focused events, seek out healthy activities you and your loved one can participate in together. Living a balanced, healthy lifestyle is extremely helpful in ensuring someone stays on the path to sobriety, but it’s often difficult to do alone. Consider encouraging your loved one to join you on a walk or run, learn how to cook a healthy meal with you, or simply find a new hobby that you both enjoy. Knowing that they have someone willing to help them live a healthier lifestyle and give them an extra push will be very beneficial.

Be Prepared in Case of Relapse

Relapse is a real possibility. If a relapse does occur, you need to make sure you know what to do. Take the following steps to prepare in the case of relapse:

· Get the phone numbers of their sponsor or people in their support system

· Be aware of the signs of relapse, such as mood swings, isolation, defensiveness, no longer attending meetings, and severe changes in their sleeping and eating habits.

· At the first sign of relapse, contact their sponsor or someone in their support system

· Help stabilize their condition by getting them to a safe space away from temptation.

Be Patient

As mentioned before, recovery is a lifelong process, and it’s not very easy. There will be times where you may be frustrated or upset by your recovering loved one, but it’s important to stay patient with them. They’re navigating new waters as well, and even without the addition of sobriety, nobody is perfect. That’s why you need to be as understanding as possible.

Seek Support for Yourself

At the times where you feel like your patience is running thin, or you are simply finding it hard to know how to be there for your loved one, you might consider seeking a support group for yourself. This can help you learn from second-hand experiences how others are handing being a part of a recovering addict’s life. Plus, this will provide you a safe space to discuss any struggles you may be having and receive thoughtful, trustworthy advice.

Reach out to Magnolia Recovery

We hope you better understand how to support a recovering drug addict. However, if you find that your loved one is struggling, Magnolia Recovery offers women facing addiction a safe, temptation-free environment to work through our 12-step immersion program. Contact us today to learn more.