Giving Proper Support to a Loved One After Rehab is Crucial, But Can Also be Difficult

When a loved one finishes rehab it can be an emotional time. There are feelings of pride that they have battled their addiction, but also some fear because this is a new chapter of their life…one that does not involve a substance. Navigating this new life is something they will need help with as they learn how to live substance-free. When a loved one goes home after rehab, it’s important to know how to support them to help keep them on the right track.

Notice the Small Stuff and Praise Them

During an addiction treatment program, patients are getting the positive reinforcement they need to stay sober. But, when they get home, the encouraging environment they were used to 24/7 is no longer there. Even if they are working through outpatient therapy, things are different. This is why it’s important to notice when they continue to do good because they still need that positive reinforcement to continue on their path.

Even if you think it’s something small, notice it and praise them. This positivity can help them avoid relapsing. Statistics show that 40-60% of people with a substance abuse disorder can relapse. ¹ Doing your part can help them prevent this from happening to them.

Show Your Commitment After Rehab

Knowing there is someone on their side can help a loved one continue to stay sober. You can do this by keeping triggers away from them and showing your commitment. If your loved one’s substance abuse disorder revolved around alcohol, don’t keep any in your home.  Keeping this temptation away can help them to continue their recovery.

If there are options for outpatient therapy, be there to support them. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Therapy is a great way to make sure this is happening. By attending sessions with them, you are showing that you want to play an active role in their new lifestyle. It also shows them that they are not alone.

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Help Them Keep a Routine

During their rehab stay, your loved one likely got into a routine. Routines are helpful because they can promote a healthy lifestyle.  A routine can be as simple as making the bed, going to the gym, and going back to work. Staying mentally and physically busy can help to stay on the path to recovery.

Engage in Healthy Habits Together

An excellent way to support your loved one is to engage in healthy habits together. They need to be reminded that it is possible to have social connections and to have fun without a substance involved.

Consider your loved one’s interests and look for activities that you can do together. Hiking, going to a movie, or even taking an online class are all ways to keep busy and have fun. Plus, it will give you time to reconnect.

Doing these things also helps your loved one’s mental health. They are keeping busy and socializing which helps to ward off feelings of loneliness and depression.

Contact Us for Help

At Clear Life Recovery, we help patients battle their substance abuse disorder. We offer a variety of programs depending on a patient’s needs. Our programs include residential treatment programs as well as those that prepare people for life after rehab such as life skills training.

We are committed to helping our patients overcome their substance abuse disorder and learn how to live a fulfilling substance-free life. If you would like to learn more about the programs at Clear Life Recovery, call us today or reach out to us online.

Sources:

[1] Treatment and Recovery | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery