4 Ways You Can Support an Addict in Recovery

Do you know an addict in recovery who could use a little extra support? Showing your concern and being supportive can make a positive impact on your loved one’s recovery, which is why it helps to research the different ways that you can show them just how supportive you are.

Ways to Support an Addict in Recovery

If you know an addict in recovery, then it’s important to support and reinforce their healthy behaviors, but remember that enabling and being supportive are two very different actions. Being supportive of your loved one’s recovery can make a difference in their life when they need it most while enabling can keep your loved one stuck. To show your support of your loved one’s newfound recovery, consider following these 4 simple tips below.

1. Spend Time with Your Loved One

Offering to spend time with your loved one is a great way to distract them from any emotions, triggers, and/or cravings that may be building up. While offering to spend time with your loved one doesn’t guarantee that they will embrace the idea, the gesture can go a long way by making your loved one feel cared for.

2. Go with Them to a 12 Step Meeting

Another great way to show that you support an addict in recovery is by offering to go with them to a 12 Step meeting. Even if your loved one would rather you not go with them to a 12 Step meeting, you can look up and go to Nar-Anon meetings yourself. These meetings are 12 Step Fellowships designed for the loved ones of addicts. They can help you learn how to cope with your loved one’s addiction as well as help you build a network of support from others in similar situations as you.

3. Encourage and Reinforce Positive Behaviors

When you encourage and reinforce positive behaviors, you show your loved one that you truly want the best for them. When your loved one opens up to you about something that bothers them, continually offers to help out in some way, or breaks a bad habit, make sure that you recognize it to help reinforce more positive behaviors.

4. Address Negative and Concerning Behaviors Early

Just like you should encourage and acknowledge healthy behaviors, you should also address unhealthy behaviors – before they worsen and lead your loved one down a negative cycle that could prove problematic.

Recovering from addiction is hard work, which is why having a team of support is critical for an addict in recovery. When you show your loved one support, you make them feel cared for and can even help motivate them to continue getting the help they need to maintain their sobriety long-term. In addition, your support can also help hold them accountable. There are many benefits for your loved one’s recovery when you show your support, but it’s also important to realize that it is up to them to do the work that needs to be done in order to hold onto their recovery.

Is your loved one struggling to gain any time in recovery? Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases that impact the entire family, but recovery is possible. Contact The Watershed for help today and learn what you can do to help your loved one get the treatment they need to recover. Call The Watershed at 1-800-861-1768.