5 Practical Ways To Support Someone During Alcohol Recovery

There are many reasons a person would choose alcohol as a coping mechanism in the face of challenges they are facing. They might not even be aware of the consequences they could be putting themselves into, but the sense of temporary relief seems more important in that moment. In states like California, the cases of alcohol addiction have been on the rise at alarming numbers. 

However, when a person decides to change and let go of these addictions, getting support and love from family and friends could mean everything. The first step could be to explore California rehabs, like Healthy Life Recovery, that can offer the assistance and support needed during the journey.  By offering encouragement and showing care to your loved one, friends and family can eliminate the guilt and shame often associated with alcohol addiction. 

Here are some ways to support your dear ones as they recover:

• Eliminate Temptations 

Once you have learned about someone’s journey to recovery from alcohol addiction, respecting the course of the treatment and the boundaries they are setting for themselves is important. Instead of pulling jokes relating to the problem or the causes, replace them with kind words of encouragement and acknowledgment. 

People with alcohol addiction often carry the guilt of being an addict; making even well-meaning jokes can push them back into the whirlpool of feeling ashamed and eventually make them feel at fault. 

• Encourage Healthy Habits

Whether you are discussing the basics of keeping the house clean or are helping them figure out a practical routine to work with, you must encourage healthy habits without enabling traits from the addiction period. 

For instance, instead of picking after them, inform them of the importance and significance of doing so. At the same time, do not be overly harsh if they can’t follow instructions every time. Chances are they might be learning it for the first time, and it can become overwhelming to follow instructions clearly. 

• Learn More About the Problem

It is essential to understand that addiction is rooted in a traumatic experience, family history, peer pressure, or stress and often not because of choice. Learning more about alcohol addiction, the reason(s) your loved ones resorted to using it, and why your help matters. 

Moreover, there are plenty of taboos and myths surrounding alcohol addiction. By educating yourself, you can differentiate fact from myth and offer better support to your loved ones. 

• Listen to Them More Often

The best way to reconnect with someone undergoing recovery is to listen to them over sharing your advice. Talking with a loved one during this time will enable them to share their experiences, what prompted them to choose alcohol, and how you can help them stay sober. 

During the addiction phase, they will rationalize what they are doing with a reason without completely understanding the consequences of their actions. Once they have embarked on their recovery journey, they are more receptive to your thoughts and ideas and will better comprehend how alcohol addiction has impacted many lives. 

• Set Healthy Boundaries 

While your loved ones work on themselves, creating healthy boundaries with oneself will ensure you are not fueling any kind of enabling or co-dependency. Without having clear boundaries, you may often find yourself giving in to their demands or needs without ever wanting to. 

At the same time, you must remain respectful while communicating your boundaries effectively. Sharing a reason and admitting how your boundaries will help their recovery will reinstate the important state they are currently in. 

Bottomline

Whether it’s a friend or a loved one, alcohol addiction can wreck relationships, cause severe financial instability, and can impact how one lives life. The treatment and methods used during recovery are aimed at improving quality of life while helping people with an addiction find more meaningful and healthy ways to cope whenever they feel gripped by the need to go back to the old ways. However, consistent support from family and friends will ensure they know their true value and have people to turn to during weak moments.