Addiction treatment does not end when the patient is released from a drug treatment center. In fact, it requires a transitioning period to get back to normal life. Thus, the treatment process goes on for some time, and the family members play an important role in this regard. This is why a professional drug treatment center will also give you a prevention plan and necessary guidelines.
The Importance of Sharing
Share experiences and talk about problems you encounter with others during 12-step meetings. Through such interactions, you may find the comfort, support, and helpful advice that may steer you through tough times. It always helps to have an understanding ear from someone who knows what you’re Going through since they have been there themselves.
Set Aside Time for Reflection and Meditation Each Day
Every member of the recovering addict’s family and close friends should pay attention to their own personal development (spiritual as well as physical and emotional), reduction of stress, the practice of health behaviors, and discipline to do what’s necessary. Read from a book of meditation, do yoga, deep breathing, visualization, and admiring nature – do whatever gets you outside yourself and into a reflective mode. At the day’s end, give thanks for the blessings you have received during the day and ask for any help you need in dealing with a situation involving your relationship with the recovering addict. These actions will help you enhance your own recovery.
Keep an Active Social Life
Being in recovery as a family member means that you need contact with the outside world. Everything cannot be solely about the relationship with the addict. You need to go out and enjoy friendships, attend social and recreational events, laugh, and have fun. This will improve your overall mental outlook, refresh and rejuvenate you – benefiting everyone in the family.
Offer Encouragement
Encourage the recovering addict to continue attending 12-step meetings and be supportive of his or her efforts to heal. Do not be jealous of the time they need to spend doing these things, as it will work against the recovery process.
Time is Required
Recognize that the recovering addict needs time to fully embrace sobriety from whichever addiction he or she has. Even if there are small or major setbacks, be ready with encouragement and support for the recovering addict to get back on the road to recovery.
Give Yourself kudos
It is hard work being in family recovery. You have put in a lot of time and hard work. Take a moment to acknowledge your own efforts in the recovery process. This time of self-recognition is important so that you don’t find yourself feeling underappreciated or self-sacrificing. Remind yourself that you are doing this out of love.
Take Care of Yourself
You need to pay attention to your own physical health and well-being before you can attend to that of others, including the recovering addict. Take care of any outstanding health issues you may have, get regular physical examinations, rest, and relax so that you are in the best physical and mental health you can be. By taking care of yourself, you will be in a better position and frame of mind to offer encouragement and support to the family member or close friend who’s in recovery.