Whenever a loved one returns home from entering a drug rehabilitation program it can be a joyous occasion, but it can also be fraught with concerns and hesitation. Whilst many of the best drug rehabilitation facilities have programs for the families of drug users to educate and support them so that they can best help the person recovering, unfortunately, many do not.
The problem for a recovering drug user returning home and their family not being fully aware of how they can best support them is that mistakes can be made. Whilst they may fully intend to and want to do their best, they can inadvertently do or say something which does the opposite.
To try to ensure that a returning family member who is recovering from drug use is given every opportunity to continue their journey towards full recovery, here are five dos and five don’ts which their family and loved ones should abide by.
The Five Dos
Do Learn All You Can About Their Drug Treatment Program: It will serve everyone best if you take the time and effort to learn as much as you can about the drug treatment program your loved one has entered, such as one for alcohol recovery or ice addiction. The more you know the better you will be able to talk about it during discussions with them about their recovery.
Do Show Them That You Care For And Support Them: This might be an obvious one, but it still is worth reminding anyone who has a loved one returning from drug rehab that their journey is far from over. As such, all the support, care, and love you can give them will help enormously.
Do Encourage Them To Take Up New Interests: One of the most positive things someone in recovery can do is to find new interests and passions. This can include taking up new sports or hobbies and if you can join in with them, then you will both benefit.
Do Adopt A Healthier Lifestyle For The Entire Household: The person returning home is entering a healthier lifestyle, so it is an opportunity for you to support them in that by also boosting the health of you and your family. You can take a series of measures to boost everyone’s health such as preparing more nutritious meals and encouraging increased exercise.
Do Be Optimistic…Always: It can be hard for the family of someone who is recovering from drugs especially if they have a temporary relapse. Even so, for their sake, and yours, you must remain optimistic at all times.
The Five Don’ts
Don’t Blame Yourself: One of the worst things you can do is take the blame for some you love being dependent on drugs. That includes during their recovery because it takes their personal responsibility away from them and increases the possibility of them relapsing.
Don’t Dwell On Past Events: Whatever happened in the past cannot be changed, so there is no point in rehashing or reliving past events when your loved one returns home. Instead, focus on the present and especially the future with all the opportunities they can provide both of you.
Don’t Avoid The Subject Of Their Recovery: The subject of their recovery from drugs is not something which should remain silent, and it may help their recovery greatly if they can talk about it openly at home, so let them do so.
Don’t Neglect Your Own Needs: Understandability much of your focus will be on your loved one who is in recovery, but that does not mean you should neglect your own well-being. Ensure you take care of your physical and mental health for your sake and theirs.
Don’t Give Up On Them: Drug recovery can be a long journey and it is never a smooth path. Relapses can occur and it is at these moments where you need to find the strength to continue to support your loved one the most towards them becoming free of drug addiction forever.