Supporting A Loved One During National Recovery Month
Addiction recovery is a never-ending battle. While patients may have ended their rehab stay and now live sober lives, the struggle of addiction remains. It’s a lifelong journey with many ups and downs. For people with a loved one or friend in addiction recovery, offering support plays a critical role in the process. With National Recovery Month in September, it’s an important reminder of how difficult addiction is to overcome and how vital support is throughout the process.
Established in 1989, National Recovery Month aims to recognize new, evidence-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery approaches while honoring the nation’s addiction recovery community and the commitment of service providers and loved ones who help people overcome the struggle. It serves as a great time to reflect on the issues of addiction and what can be done to aid people struggling with addiction.
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What Is The Message Of National Recovery Month?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Recovery Month. The agency aims to provide education and raise funds for addiction recovery to help spread awareness of how addiction treatment and mental health services can help people struggling with a mental or substance use disorder to live healthy lives. SAMHSA also times its recovery events and grant-funding initiatives around the month as it helps put the spotlight on how addiction can be defeated.
The key messages of National Recovery Month are:
- Recovery is possible. With proper support and treatment, it is possible to recover from substance use and mental health disorders.
- Treatment is effective. Evidence-based therapies like medication, counseling, and peer support can help people manage their conditions.
- Prevention works. By implementing community-based prevention education programs, people can know the dangers and early signs of addiction and mental health issues before they become a problem that can impact lives.
- Everyone has a role to play. Addiction impacts everyone — which means everyone, including families, friends, employers, healthcare providers, and community organizations, can all assist in someone’s addiction recovery journey.
What Can You Say to Encourage Someone in Recovery?
If someone has a friend or loved one facing addiction or in recovery, they may not know exactly what that person is going through if they haven’t experienced it themselves. Offering encouragement and support is important in helping someone recover, but you have to watch what you say, so it can also be challenging. You want to be kind and helpful without coming across as overbearing or judgmental. If you want to get involved in this awareness month, here are some helpful tips for what to say during National Recovery Month:
- “I’m proud of you.” Addiction is one of the most difficult things to overcome, and people trying to get better deserve praise and recognition for their efforts. Saying how proud you are of their efforts lets them know you see their progress and are happy they are making changes to better their lives.
- “How can I help?” Asking a simple question like how to help can make their life a little easier, knowing they do have someone willing to lend support. Whether it’s driving them to outpatient care, helping clean their home, offering childcare, or just listening to their problems, every bit of help is appreciated,
- “I believe in you.” Let them know that you feel they have the strength to overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. Reminding them that you have faith in their recovery encourages them to continue in the addiction recovery process.
- “It’s not your fault.” Addiction is a disease no one should be blamed for having. Make it clear that you don’t hold them responsible for their condition and that many people go through the same struggles.
- “I’m here for you.” They may know that you support them, but providing additional reassurance that you will be a constant source of support, no matter what challenges arise, will help in the long run. Addiction recovery never ends, and it’s important they know you aren’t going anywhere.
- “Take it one day at a time.” Recovering from addiction is never a quick and easy process. Please encourage them to stay focused on the present and celebrate even small victories.
When offering words of encouragement, the most important thing is to let your loved one know you care and are here to support them.
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Supporting a Loved One in Recovery
Offering kind and supportive words plays a vital role in helping someone trying to overcome addiction. However, actions speak louder than words, and you can support a loved one in recovery in many additional ways. Learn as much as you can about addiction and the recovery process to better understand what your loved one is going through. It will help you be more empathetic and effective in your support.
Many cities and communities offer free support groups for the friends and family members of those in recovery. Participating in these addiction recovery support groups can help you access resources and a network of people who can help with the recovery process. When available, it’s also important to attend therapy sessions, doctor’s visits, or support group meetings to provide comfort that you’re supporting their recovery.
Recovery is a mental and physical challenge. Suggesting activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or a new hobby, can be significant recovery aids. Using exercise and other activities can help people in recovery stay focused and manage cravings.
Addiction never ends, which means relapses can occur. If a relapse does happen, avoid criticizing. Instead, offer compassion and encouragement to help them get back on track. Supporting a loved one in recovery is about providing a safe and nurturing environment through the journey. With your love and support, they can overcome the challenges of addiction and reclaim their lives. For those at the beginning of the addiction recovery process, Muse Treatment’s Los Angeles drug rehab center provides comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help patients throughout the journey. For more information on our treatment options during National Recovery Month, please contact us online or call 800-426-1818 today.
The post How to Support a Loved One During National Recovery Month appeared first on Muse Treatment.
source https://musetreatment.com/blog/national-recovery-month/
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