Trying to overcome a substance abuse disorder can seem overwhelming. While it’s clearly a challenge to beat an addiction for the person suffering, the anxiety can be tremendous for family members and loved ones as well. Sometimes you just don’t know what to do.
It can be difficult to understand all the nuances involved in addictive behavior. However, it can also be extremely helpful to the addict or alcoholic when they get support from the people they love.
But how can you best offer your support? Can you attend substance abuse classes to support a spouse or loved one? Let’s look at some options such as classes and groups that are available to help someone support a loved one in recovery.
Find Your Own Support
One of the most important things a spouse or loved can do for the suffering alcoholic or drug addict is make sure they support themselves. The disease of addiction affects you as a spouse, a loved one, or just a close friend.
It can be emotionally devastating to watch someone battle a disease that could take their life. Watching an addict or an alcoholic struggle is agonizing. The first thing you should do to help support a person in recovery is to build your own support system.
You can only be helpful and supportive to this person as they progress through their own recovery if you’re taking care of your own needs. There are various support groups and organizations available to help those affected by substance abuse.
You can share your heartbreak over a relapse or your enthusiasm when a beloved person chooses to seek recovery. There are people in these supportive organizations who share their valuable experience.
You won’t have to navigate through difficult decisions without any guidance. Meetings and individual one-on-one conversations can help better appreciate how cunning and baffling the disease of addiction is. Begin your support for your spouse by being certain to support yourself.
Build Your Own Knowledge
There is a wealth of knowledge available within in addiction recovery groups and organizations. However, there are also volumes of books you can read. Dedicate as much time as you can to learning about the disease of addiction.
As you improve your own knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to support the person’s recovery. Improving your own awareness and understanding of substance abuse can also include taking classes.
Some colleges will offer courses that deal with aspects of drug and alcohol addiction. There are a number of classes offered online, and some are even free. There are multiple government sponsored websites that provide guidance for family and friends of people with substance abuse disorders.
Another excellent resource for helping support your spouse or a family member is through a treatment facility. Many substance abuse treatment programs offer joint counseling and group sessions for immediate family members.
Many encourage your support involvement in your loved one’s recovery. The support and love of a close friend or family member can be a tremendous boost to someone’s self-esteem when they’re struggling with an addiction.
Recovery organizations for family and friends are an immediate asset you should seek to use. Taking classes or reading information about substance abuse disorders is also helpful. In addition, there are other things you can do to provide welcome support.
Do Not Judge
It can be hard to watch a loved one suffer. This can be especially agonizing when it is a spouse. Many times the addiction steals your family member away. It can seem as if they do not love you.
Be mindful substance abuse disorder is a disease. Your spouse is not a bad person, but a sick person who needs help to get well. Avoid judging them as anything that someone who needs help.
Foster a Healthy Environment
As difficult as it might seem, constant bantering about someone’s substance abuse problems can drive them further away. Do not condone bad behavior, or excuses for it. However, try to foster a healthy environment for recovery.
For example, if you are not an alcoholic, it is still strongly suggested that you resist having alcohol around someone who is in recovery. It is very difficult to overcome urges and cravings if the substances are also around them. To be supportive, foster a healthy environment.
Watching as someone destroys their life with drugs and alcohol is a traumatic experience. However, there is hope and that hope is in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse disorder, reach out for help.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for you as a spouse or a family member to encourage someone to seek recovery. Begin by finding a support group for yourself. These people can share their own experience, strength and hope.
Also seek other ways to educate yourself about substance abuse. This can include a wealth of free literature or class about substance abuse disorder. Avoid judging your spouse, and your best to foster a healthy home environment.
Again, encourage your spouse or loved one to reach out for help. There is a way out of the mire caused by substance abuse. The pathway to a new life begins with treatment. Have your loved one reach out for help today because there is a way to beat addiction. Call us today at 302-842-2390
