Getting a loved one to admit they have a problem with addiction and agree to get professional help is a significant step toward recovery. However, once they enter a drug and alcohol detox center program, you may be at a loss as to how to support a loved one in detox. After all, you may rely on treatment professionals to ‘take it from here’.
How to Support a Loved One in Detox
Regardless of the quality of care that a person receives in a detox center, they need to know that they have your support during this challenging time. Furthermore, your support needs to extend beyond encouragement. You need to be instrumental in staging your loved one’s success as they combat substance abuse. Below are some tips on how to support a loved one in detox.
Provide a Stable Home
When a family member has a severe addiction to drugs or alcohol, things can get out of control at home. The impact of substance use disorders on a family unit may affect finances, cleanliness, communication, and security may deteriorate as time goes one. Now that your loved one is getting help, it’s time to take an inventory of your home environment.
Start with simple things like cleaning and organizing your home. This sets the foundation for you to create stability in other areas. Address other family issues that may be occurring. You may also want to review your finances, establish a schedule, and create a health plan.
Show Up During Visitor Hours
Detox and stabilization centers establish visiting hours as a way to promote family involvement. Visit your loved one to demonstrate your love and support. The time that you have to visit might be short, but vital to their growth. So, while you are there, be positive and encouraging.
Show interest in their progress, but don’t probe too heavily. Otherwise, they may perceive your visit as nothing more than an interrogation. Also, avoid any negativity, blaming, or frustration. Share in their decision to get on the road to recovery and ask them how you can help.
Be Patient
Chances are, your loved one has developed an addiction over a period of several months or years. As such, it will take them years to unravel their condition. There are several issues they need to address including any possible mental health disorders.
Therefore, they’ll need you to be patient. Their road to recovery could take several months. Most treatment programs last 90 days with aftercare once they complete rehab. Be willing to walk the recovery path with them as they make their journey toward sobriety. Take an active role in their relapse prevention planning.
Explore Your Own Treatment
Oftentimes, there is so much focus on the person with a substance use disorder, that the needs of the family members are often neglected. Addiction can take a physical and emotional toll on other people in the home.
While your loved one is in detox, you may want to explore treatment for you or other loved ones. Treatment centers offer programs including:
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Support groups
- Marriage counseling
You may want to use this moment in your life to get help for those who need it, including yourself. Family therapy allows everyone in the home to address the issues and grow together.
Learn More About How to Support a Loved One in Detox
If you would like to learn more about how to support a loved one in detox, then contact Summit Detox today at (888) 995-5265. We can go over your treatment options and get you started with detox right away. At Summit Detox, we provide the first step to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.
