You may think that once a loved one who suffers from an addiction enters recovery, then the worry ends. But concern for their wellbeing continues as they move through recovery. At Harmony Hills, we know that supporting a loved one in recovery is not easy. However, the more you know about treatment and how to care for yourself during your loved one’s recovery, the easier the process will be.
Learn About Treatment Services
When you have a loved one enter treatment, learn as much as you can about the process. By educating yourself, you will avoid fearing the unknown. Learn about what to expect for various levels of care, which include:
- Detox center programs
- Residential treatment services
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Aftercare program
These levels indicate how much time your loved one spends at a treatment facility. First, they may need a detox. During this phase, they will likely stay at a facility with medical care to ensure they stay healthy during the withdrawal phase. Only after detox will they begin treatment that includes psychotherapy.
Residential treatment requires your loved one to stay at the facility 24 hours a day for several weeks. This form of care provides mental and physical support for your loved one.
As they improve, they may graduate to PHP, which is a form of an outpatient program. They will spend nights and weekends at home and several hours each week at the treatment facility. After PHP, IOP decreases the required number of hours required, providing your loved one with more freedom. After completing a treatment program, your loved one may continue recovery with a community-based mutual aid support group.
Above all, your role in supporting them will increase as they spend less time at the addiction treatment center, and more time at home. For instance, you may need to encourage your loved one to return to treatment sessions when they begin PHP or IOP. Thus, this support can encourage them to continue with the recovery process.
Remind Yourself of These Things When Supporting a Loved One in Recovery
Even as you support your loved one, you need to remember several things about recovery and addiction. When you feel stressed about the process, keep the following in mind:
- Your loved one’s addiction is not your fault or a moral failing of theirs
- Their recovery is not your responsibility
- Recovery requires a lifetime of work
- Treatment can take months to complete
- Your family can heal whether your loved one recovers or not
Take Care of Yourself
Helping your loved one as they get substance abuse treatment does not need to take your entire focus. You still need to take care of yourself to ensure that you have the resources to provide support for your family member. For instance, don’t neglect self-care activities.
First, find a hobby that you enjoy to take your mind off worries. Next, get regular physical activity. Third, focus on good nutrition. If you feel excessive stress, contact a support group for families of those in recovery. Or, schedule a visit with a therapist to talk about your stresses and find ways to cope.
Attend Family Therapy Sessions
For those in recovery who need family therapy, one of the best ways to help is attending the sessions. After all, these sessions help to address family dynamics that can help in supporting a loved one in recovery. Plus, you can learn ways to healthfully help yourself and your loved one during the treatment process.
Family therapy sessions are vital to helping your family and loved one to heal from the strain of living with someone struggling with addiction. Attending family therapy sessions are just as critical for helping you to recover from the addiction as they are for your loved one.
Learn More About Support in Recovery in FL at Harmony Hills
Giving support in recovery in FL or seeking help is never easy. Yet even as you take care of yourself, you should also learn as much as you can about the treatment your loved one is doing. You can find out more about the process and treatment options for your loved one by calling us at Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357.
Entering a substance use disorder treatment facility is the start of the recovery process. However, with your help in supporting a loved one in recovery and our guidance, your loved one can make it through.
