There are times in life when people absolutely need a helping hand. Sometimes, people need physical help, but more often than not, what they really need is moral support. There are few times this is truer than when someone you care about is in drug rehab. It is important to note, as a supportive friend or family member, that this is not the final step to recovery, but rather, the first.
During rehabilitation, a person will need all the support they can get from their friends and family. You may have recently found out that a close friend or family member has just taken this initial step. If so, please consider these three ways that you can support them during this time.
Tell Them That You Will Be There For Them
This may sound like a given, but this is more important than most people realize. People often say these words almost instinctively, the same way that someone may say, "Bless you," when another person sneezes. What really matters is that when you tell your loved one, "I am here for you," you mean it. Let them know that you will really be with them every single step of the way. Don't overlook the weight of these words, as your loved one may not hear them from anyone else.
Be Patient
Drug rehab is not an easy process. Your loved one will have to contend with the fallout of drug dependency, which rears its head physically, mentally, and emotionally. This means that your loved one will experience a lot of ups and downs during this time. Being patient will prove to be a priceless asset. You will need to be patient both with the person being treated, as well as the people working to help him or her. Keep in mind that rehabilitation does not happen overnight.
Emphasize Accountability
It is good that your loved one has agreed to accept treatment, but it's important that they have done so for the right reasons. If they do not truly want to get better for their own sake, then they may not be fully committed to the process. Remind them that they are doing this for a reason: to get their life back. Making this change can definitely benefit their relationships with others, but the main focus should be their own health and wellbeing. Do not be forceful or overly aggressive, but be firm and caring when communicating this.
The road to recovery from substance abuse is not an easy one. Your loved one will go through a lot of trials and encounter many obstacles during their time in drug rehab. Most of all, they will need your help. With your continued love and support, they can find the strength to keep going and eventually come out the other side.
During rehabilitation, a person will need all the support they can get from their friends and family. You may have recently found out that a close friend or family member has just taken this initial step. If so, please consider these three ways that you can support them during this time.
Tell Them That You Will Be There For Them
This may sound like a given, but this is more important than most people realize. People often say these words almost instinctively, the same way that someone may say, "Bless you," when another person sneezes. What really matters is that when you tell your loved one, "I am here for you," you mean it. Let them know that you will really be with them every single step of the way. Don't overlook the weight of these words, as your loved one may not hear them from anyone else.
Be Patient
Drug rehab is not an easy process. Your loved one will have to contend with the fallout of drug dependency, which rears its head physically, mentally, and emotionally. This means that your loved one will experience a lot of ups and downs during this time. Being patient will prove to be a priceless asset. You will need to be patient both with the person being treated, as well as the people working to help him or her. Keep in mind that rehabilitation does not happen overnight.
Emphasize Accountability
It is good that your loved one has agreed to accept treatment, but it's important that they have done so for the right reasons. If they do not truly want to get better for their own sake, then they may not be fully committed to the process. Remind them that they are doing this for a reason: to get their life back. Making this change can definitely benefit their relationships with others, but the main focus should be their own health and wellbeing. Do not be forceful or overly aggressive, but be firm and caring when communicating this.
The road to recovery from substance abuse is not an easy one. Your loved one will go through a lot of trials and encounter many obstacles during their time in drug rehab. Most of all, they will need your help. With your continued love and support, they can find the strength to keep going and eventually come out the other side.