Going through recovery, especially at the beginning of the process, is a difficulty that constantly challenges a person to be their best self at all times. Recovery is also an individual path one must personally walk while practicing the best habits to live a different life.
However, as the saying goes, “it takes a village.” Though not being raised from childhood, the recovering addict will need a community of effort from their family and friends to combat the challenges of navigating recovery. Understanding what your loved one in recovery emotionally needs is crucial to the success of their recovery. The more supportive the network of a person in recovery, the easier the process will become. Let’s go through some ways you can help your recovering friend or loved one.
Emotional Support to Buffer Emotional Distress
Addiction and the recovery process are both intense, emotional experiences that have a deep, lasting impact on an individual’s mental health. A person struggling with addiction may experience feelings of frustration, guilt, shame, and sour self-worth. Then in recovery, these emotions become multiplied by poor choices in the past and current struggles. Recovery also brings a tumultuous and confusing time when a person struggles against their physical and emotional dependency on substances. The only lasting solution is time spent practicing acting following their best intentions.
The emotional support from family, friends, and loved ones during the early days makes all the difference to recovering addicts. Try any of the following:
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Reminding them of their positive qualities
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Supporting their recovery efforts (maybe therapy, taking time for a new hobby, attending group meetings, or something else)
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Helping them separate their negative thoughts from reality.
Fostering a Community of Support
Being present and available for a recovering addict may mean the difference between success and failure for them. You can help them work through any feelings of loneliness or fear of relapse. The more someone believes they have value, the less likely they are to feel the need to use.
However, people in recovery need constant and intense support. This demand to give emotional support without time for you to recharge can end up limiting your long-term availability. Work with the friends and family of the person you hope to assist as well as mental healthcare workers so the recovering person will always have the support they need.
Harmony Haus Sober Living provides a safe and encouraging environment for men working through recovery. Give us a call today at (512) 387-2978 to learn more about our program or schedule a tour.
