If you struggle with substance abuse, you and your family members may wonder if there is more to recovery than treatment alone. Unfortunately, with the millions of Americans who are diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), chances are, you or someone you know may struggle with a similar situation.
Because of the considerable number of individuals who struggle with substance abuse challenges, learning how to best support those in recovery in the community and within the home environment can help them achieve success and long-term recovery. It is essential for the community and for you or your loved one to find more information about the challenges of substance abuse so healing can happen for more than just a select few.
Understanding the struggles with substance abuse can be very difficult to do, as the battles faced in recovery may not be obvious. In addition, many friends and family members see the situation from an outside perspective. As a result, they may not know the core elements as to how the substance use initially began or why it continued.
While struggling with substance abuse, you may not understand all of the details revolving around the challenges of recovery. Therefore, finding out how to better the recovery journey for yourself or your loved one can help resolve a mystery and begin an expedition towards a more fulfilling lifestyle that is free from substances.
To start bettering the recovery journey for yourself, you must acknowledge that help is available and hope is there. The road to recovery will be bumpy, but support is available to help strengthen you, making a sober lifestyle achievable.
As friends and family members, it can be difficult to see your loved one struggling with substance abuse. Likewise, as one who struggles with substance abuse, you may find it challenging to open up and admit your struggles. Some of the most substantial means of support and guidance can come from those closest to you, even when you feel that the communication barrier is high.
If your loved one is struggling with SUD, there are various ways you can help them in their recovery journey. One way to do this is to check in on them and actively listen. They need and want to be heard and listened to. Be sure to be interested and engaged when your loved one is sharing something with you.
You can also support your loved one's recovery by encouraging in healthy habits. Whether it be open communication, proper sleep hygiene, exercise, eating healthy meals, or abstaining from alcohol and drugs, you can show your support by living a healthy lifestyle yourself. This will not only show your loved ones you support them and their decisions, but it will also help you live a happier and healthier life.
While going through treatment, you may find that addressing the inside elements of your mindset and habits will leak out onto your friends and family throughout the process.
The same can be said if you are a friend and family member and you start to educate yourself about substance abuse and treatment. You are already helping your loved ones towards recovery even if they have not stepped into treatment.Overall, when both sides have a strong support system filled with encouragement, it creates the initial foundation for a recovery journey to build upon.
A few ways you can show support to your loved ones to better the recovery journey is to be nonjudgmental. Those who struggle with SUD often find it challenging to open up and say that they are having a hard time, and it may even stop them from finding treatment because they are scared of your reaction.
If a loved one has been through treatment and stopped going to treatment, sometimes as a friend or family member, you may feel disappointed. It is crucial for you to show them as much nonjudgmental support as possible, so everyone gets back on track.
Likewise, if you struggle with SUD, you will need much love and encouragement to sustain a healthier lifestyle. You can better your recovery journey by acknowledging that your friend or a family member is only there to help you, encourage you, and guide you because they believe in you.
If you or your loved one want to promote or sustain the recovery journey, using as much information to improve your environment can make all the difference in recovery success. You can do this by establishing a conductive sober lifestyle in the home, free from substance use or free from any types of activities that may cause triggers of relapse. As long as you and your loved one are taking care of yourselves, you show support in multiple ways.
Individuals who struggle with substance use disorder require various support and encouragement from every direction, including themselves. At NorthStar Transitions, we understand the different levels of substance use disorder and how each situation is unique. Therefore, we provide a loving, supportive environment to help you and your loved ones find a safe and secure place without judgment to begin or better your recovery journey. We believe that protecting all you are and all that your loved one can become can make all the difference in establishing a healthier lifestyle free from substance abuse. We also are here to help you or your loved one eliminate any unhealthy habit that may inhibit your acceptance of support in your life. For more information on how you can better your recovery journey or find treatment for substance use disorder, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
