Addiction is messy. It seeps into your life without you knowing. What starts as a fun activity soon interferes with your everyday life. Helping a recovering addict also means preparing for immense denial. No one likes getting told that they’re dependent on substances. So, if you genuinely want to help someone, walk with resilience and patience. Along with those two traits, here are some ways you can help people overcome addiction apart from seeking individualized care in cozy environments such as Nestled Recovery Center:
Prevent them from accessing substances
It would help if you lay the groundwork. Start by weaning off the person from all substances. If they’re into alcohol, remove all the bottles from their house. If they’re into drugs, you need to get rid of all their stash. Substances like heroin also require extra equipment. These include a syringe, a spoon, and a lighter. It would help if you got rid of all these potential apparatus. You may also need to modify the house a little. You can’t allow the recovering addict to have potential hiding spots in the house. Since they are in the initial stages of recovery, they will try to sneak in more substances and indulge when no one’s watching.
Check them into rehab
You need to admit them into a reliable rehab center. You can use online resources such as Delphi Health Group to find the right treatment center. Rehab centers are professional facilities equipped to handle addictive behavior. They also have specialized programs that treat disorders along with addiction. For instance, treating patients who have eating disorders along with substance abuse. These facilities are ideal if the addict’s condition is severe because you may not have the skills or knowledge to handle withdrawal symptoms and manage the patient’s safety.
Help them find mental support
Addiction encompasses your physical and mental health. Anyone recovering from substance abuse will feel depressed, anxious, and irritable. Substances leave lingering effects on the nervous system. It would help if you had professional intervention to ensure the person recovers appropriately. Psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists form the basis of your options. These professionals know how to deal with patients recovering from substance abuse. They understand their thought processes and how even the slightest push can send them reeling back into the rabbit hole. There is also a range of activities these professionals can exercise, eventually leading to better mental health.
Extend your support
People who are recovering are vulnerable. The first few months of being fresh out of rehab are hard. There is also a chance they may relapse overwhelmed by their life. It would help if you were there for them these few months. Try helping them set a routine and ensure they follow through. If you want them to exercise, you can help them find the best exercise regime for them. Help them locate healthy restaurants and teach them recipes that are lean and delicious for them. These may sound tedious, but they are necessary. Most people turn back to substances because of a combination of abandonment and poor lifestyle choices. They feel it is easier to get lost in the feeling of euphoria than deal with reality.
Push them to talk to their family
Families are always immensely hurt when a person becomes an addict. A person may neglect their duties and even act apathetic towards other members. If the person you’re helping has a family, convince them to talk to them. If they have children and a partner, try and make amends with them to have an amicable relationship. It is essential to ensure they are on good terms with their family to prevent feelings of shame. Isolation and shame are strong emotions. These emotions can contribute to relapse. People don’t handle rejection well, especially if they are on the receiving end of it. If you can bridge the gap between the person and their family, you can help them get better.
Find support groups
Some groups operate outside of rehab centers. Recovered addicts who’ve been sober for a while and social workers run these groups. The purpose of these groups is to bring acceptance and help people move out of their slump. You can help a person find a suitable support group. You may even attend it with them. It gives people an opportunity to share their experiences and stories. Most stories are not different from each other, giving people a sense of understanding. When people feel understood, they’re ready to share more. It also keeps them from feeling frustrated and alone. These groups also give homework that is all about personal wellness. It could be reading, finding a hobby, or taking a step to a life without substance. In any case, a support group is a good idea.
Find appropriate medication for them
It would help if you were realistic. People need medicines. There are numerous reasons why people need medication, such as pain management. However, substance abusers get kept away from medication. It is not easy to get a doctor to prescribe medicine to a recovering addict. However, you can help. You should take the person to a doctor for a complete check-up. Allow the doctor to guide you on what medicines are safe to use and avoid the ones that can get too addictive. Doctors can also give the person medicines that can help them manage withdrawal symptoms. It would help if you didn’t leave them alone with all the pills. Buy a pill organizer and allow the person to access a few at a time. You want them to have a gap between each dosage to prevent addiction from building up.
Sober living communities
Some cases are not easy to deal with. While a rehab center may help, it is the post-rehab life that is concerning. Sober living communities are safe and drug-free environments. These houses follow intensive treatment to ensure the person is in good shape to go home. You can admit the person into a sober house if you feel coming back may cause them to relapse. It helps people to ease into regular life following rehab. It also prevents people from getting scared and overwhelmed, pacing themselves for life after drugs. Bring them home when you feel the person is doing well, and the sober house counselors also concur.
Wrap up
A substance dependency can be a life-changing experience for the worse. This article mentions a few tips you can employ to help someone overcome an addiction problem. Connect them to the right resources and institutes. You can also help them rebuild their broken relationships and help them find their momentum again. Help them see a doctor and get the medication they need. Last but not least, support groups play a crucial role in the healing process, so ensure they join one.
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