Addiction is a hard battle. Everyone who went through this (or has a loved one who did) will confirm it. Addiction is a battle that everyone faces - people who are struggling, their friends, and family. If your partner is leading this fight, we know that you are tired and don’t know how to help anymore. However, don’t forget that your support is the biggest part of the recovery. If you don’t know what to do or how to do it, it’s not the end of the world. This is also something new for you, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. In this article, we will give you some helpful tips for supporting your partner through their recovery. It doesn’t matter if they are already in treatment or are just starting it - with some good advice, you will be a source of strength for your partner. However, you will also take care of yourself.
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Inform Yourself About the Treatment Process
Before you start with supportive words and advice, it’s very important to know what your partner will go through during the treatment process. As people from the center for drug rehab in Massachusetts explain, the first step in treatment is usually a medical evaluation. This is a step where professionals will assess your partner’s health - physical and mental. They will also ask them what their goals are and then create a treatment plan. This plan will take care of specific issues like drug addiction or alcohol abuse, but will also help your partner to build on their strengths. It’s very important for you to be informed of all this. This way, you will understand that treatment will not happen in one day. There will be therapies, support groups, medications… It can be a very long process, so you need to have realistic expectations.
Research About Addiction As Well
People who have not gone through addiction usually misunderstand it. It doesn’t just mean that a person doesn’t have motivation and has fewer morals. It is a real disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior. If you want to support your partner, you need to know what he is going through as much as possible. Read books and blogs about it. Go to support groups for families of addicts. You can even talk to a counselor for addiction. This will be a great way to see the world through your partner’s eyes. You will have more empathy and less judgment. You will learn many new things - for example, that craving is a normal part of recovery. Or that a relapse is not a failure; it is just a step in the road.
Be Patient, Don’t Judge
Recovery is not a sprint. Quite the opposite, it is a long marathon. Your partner will have good and bad days. They will not meet all your expectations sometimes. This is why you need to be very patient. Never judge them, and never criticize them. If you just tell them they should try harder, you’re not helping. Questions like these do more harm than good, and you can even create a contra effect. Remember, you should be your partner’s source of support and motivation. If your partner has a bad day, remind them that recovery is a long process. Tell them that you are very proud. They should know that someone is there always, no matter what happens. Everyone needs support during hard times, and this kind of support will help your partner feel less alone and stay motivated.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
It’s very easy to forget to take care of yourself during this period. However, it’s a very important thing to do. Supporting a person with addiction is very emotionally draining, and you can’t help anyone if you don’t feel well. Remember to set healthy boundaries. No, this doesn’t mean that you will punish and avoid your partner. Boundaries are here to protect yourself. For example, you can decide that you won’t lend any money if it’s part of their addiction. Or you can decide to have a self-care day when everything feels a lot to you. You’re not selfish if you want this! Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your partner. Don’t forget to eat well, sleep enough, and relax. We also mentioned support groups for families of addicts, so consider them as well. It will be much easier once you connect with people who understand what you’re going through currently.
Motivate Your Partner to Build Healthy Habits
Treatment and recovery don’t just mean “stop using substances”. It also means “build healthy habits and life”. But your partner will need help with this. What can you do? For example, you can say, “Hey, let’s go for a walk!” or “Let’s cook a healthy meal!”. These small activities can reduce stress and fill the emptiness that addiction causes. It’s also important that you create a motivating home atmosphere. If drugs or alcohol are a trigger for your partner, remove them from the house. Also, try to avoid any situations or people that trigger negative emotions. It’s important to help your partner change their habits and build a healthy environment.
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Seek Professional Help If Needed
Your support is very important, but it’s not enough sometimes. If at any point you notice that your partner’s life (or yours) is at risk, seek professional help immediately. Find a good therapist or addiction specialist and book a session. If your partner doesn’t want to visit a professional, it’s a good idea to stage an intervention with the help of a professional. Trust us, professionals are the only ones who can provide effective help in hard situations. We know you want the best for your partner, but this is inevitable sometimes.
As hard as it is, being a support for your partner during this period is one of the most meaningful things you can do. However, remember that you are not alone too. There are numerous support systems available to help you go through this. Fill yourself with patience and love, find the right tools, and soon you will have a happier and healthier life.
