Recovering from addiction is a complex process, particularly when substances like Suboxone have deeply impacted a person’s life and those around them. Offering support to someone who has chosen to take control of their life and pursue recovery is crucial, yet it can be challenging. Assisting a loved one after rehab requires careful consideration, as actions intended to be supportive may unintentionally become enabling.
Setting clear boundaries and avoiding enabling behavior are essential when helping a loved one manage their addiction. It’s important to remember that despite completing rehab, the risk of relapse remains if they encounter unhealthy environments or influences. If you are unsure of how to navigate the situation with a loved one who has recently left rehab, this blog will offer valuable guidance.
Living With a Recovering Addict
When a family member struggles with addiction, the impact extends to the entire household. Supporting them in deciding to enter rehab marks the beginning of healing for everyone involved. However, once rehab ends and they return home, the journey continues, with the family playing a crucial role in the ongoing recovery process.
Preparing for this transition involves understanding your role in supporting recovery and committing to rebuilding relationships. It also requires accepting that family dynamics will change after rehab. It’s important to remember:
You are not responsible for your loved one’s addiction. Your loved one is accountable for their own actions — a reality they should have embraced in rehab. If they attempt to blame you, it’s likely a way to deflect responsibility and adopt a victim mentality. Victims feel powerless to change their circumstances.
Recovery is about creating a new equilibrium in life, focusing on self-control, and relinquishing the need to manage external factors. While your loved one works on self-acceptance, they must also learn to rebuild their relationships.
How to Support a Loved One After Completing Rehab
Families may experience a range of emotions when someone they care about finishes rehab. It is important for close friends and family to be mindful of how they interact with the person who has recently completed treatment.
What to Expect
It’s unrealistic to expect your loved one to be the same person they were before—especially not right after rehab. They’ve been through a significant process and may still be adjusting to their new sense of self. Helping them feel safe and comfortable at home is one of the most crucial ways to encourage their commitment to staying sober. Keeping them away from substances like Suboxone or other drugs they once struggled with is essential.
Life After Rehab
Helping your loved one establish a routine after rehab is essential to their continued recovery. They will likely need to attend regular meetings to stay on track, and encouraging them to participate in these meetings and develop positive habits is key to maintaining a substance-free life, including staying off Suboxone.
Signs Of Relapse
It’s equally important to be able to identify the signs of relapse. Recognizing these early can help you seek appropriate support if your loved one begins to deviate from their recovery. Reconnecting with negative influences or displaying sudden changes in behavior could be indications of relapse. Always keep contact information for a medication-assisted treatment center on hand in case these warning signs appear.
How to Support Continued Recovery
Recognizing the severity of addiction and your willingness to support your loved one during the transition from rehab to home is an essential first step. While the outcome is beyond your control, you can still play a key role in fostering their continued recovery.
Avoid...
- Preaching or lecturing about addiction or how to live. Even with research, you’re not an expert, and asserting authority can damage your loved one’s self-esteem and sense of achievement.
- Lying or covering up bad behavior, substance use, or anything happening at home. Ignoring relapse won’t help; accountability for actions is a fundamental part of recovery.
- Being judgmental or constantly checking on them. This will undermine trust. Believe them and focus on rebuilding your relationship.
- Letting yourself be manipulated. Doing everything they ask, especially when they play the victim, contributes to an unhealthy mentality.
- Ignoring household problems. Issues like poor communication need to be addressed openly, as secrets only hinder recovery.
- Taking things personally. Lashing out may not be about you — your loved one is likely dealing with internal struggles.
Do...
- Show love and concern openly. Recovering addicts need emotional support, so let them know you care without being critical.
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery. This will help you understand their experience better and show your commitment to their journey.
- Stay flexible. There will be ups and downs, and what worked before may need adjustments as new challenges arise.
- Respect boundaries. In rehab, your loved one learned about setting and respecting boundaries, but it takes practice. Listen and give them space.
- Take care of yourself. It’s essential to balance your support with time for rest, recreation, and emotional release.
Supporting a loved one through this transition is significant, and seeking professional guidance, such as from Sunrise Recovery, can provide additional help.
Work with a Professional
Living with an addiction requires time, effort, and a strong commitment to recovery. The love and support of family and friends can make a significant difference in helping someone manage their addiction and stay on track.
Addiction Treatment Center in Clarksville, Indiana
For those seeking an opioid treatment center in Clarksville, Indiana, Sunrise Recovery provides a comprehensive approach to treatment, focusing on the whole person by addressing physical health, mental and behavioral health, and offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). With our rapid intake (within 24 hours) and assessment process (within 48 hours), we ensure that patients can begin their treatment as quickly as possible, often within 72 hours.
