How to Help a Loved One on the Road to Recovery
Life gets stressful at times, no matter who you are. The problem comes in when you use drugs or alcohol to cope with that stress because it can get out of hand in a hurry!
For some Americans, that unhealthy coping mechanism develops into full-blown alcohol addiction. A recent study found that almost 15 million Americans older than twelve years old have an alcohol use disorder.
But, what can you do to help your loved one along the road to recovery? Keep reading for our favorite ways to help ensure your loved one has a successful recovery from alcoholism.
Create an Environment That Encourages Sober Living
Staying sober is hard for every addict. Living with or spending time around people who don't encourage healthy habits often leads right back to addiction.
Make sure you get rid of or lock away any alcohol when your loved one is around and don't drink in their presence. Any temptation could result in relapse on a bad day!
Support Them Every Step on the Road to Recovery
The most important thing to do is support them from the moment they agree to get help. Don't judge them or blame them for the addition. Instead, let them know that you care and that you respect them for getting help!
Learn About Addictions
Studies show that upwards of 60% of addicts relapse after going through treatment! When you know more about how alcoholism and addiction work on the mind and body, you can keep an eye out for warning signs of relapse.
Read books about addiction or go online to do research. You can also join support groups for those affected by addicts.
Celebrate Milestones With Your Loved One
One thing that AA teaches addicts is to celebrate milestones of sobriety. They often give a colored token or chip for milestones like 24 hours sober, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc.
Another way to celebrate those milestones of sobriety with your loved ones is to give them a gift like a piece of AA jewelry. They look stylish and have a deeper meaning for those going through recovery from alcoholism!
Encourage Healthy Habits and Hygiene
Sometimes, addicts become so obsessed with alcohol that they forget to care for themselves. Encouraging some healthy life habits can help them feel better and reduce the need for alcoholic escape. Try getting them to join you in a workout or help prepare a healthy meal.
Alcoholism Is a Symptom... Make Sure You Treat the Problem That Caused It
When you love someone who abuses alcohol or other drugs, it's hard to use tough love. But, ignoring or enabling the problem never fixes it.
Keep in mind that people use alcohol in excess when they're in emotional or physical pain. You'll want to address the reason they used alcohol to make sure they don't relapse.
We hope you found this article helpful and that you learned how to help your loved one along their road to recovery. If you have any questions about this article, or if you're looking for AA tokens, jewelry, books, and more, contact us today!