Having effective communication with a loved one in rehab is sometimes difficult, as well as knowing how to support and cope with a loved one in rehab. When a friend or loved one begins treatment, it is common to experience different types of emotions. You may feel relieved that your loved one is finally receiving the treatment that he or she needs. It is also natural for your mind to race and wonder and become curious about what the outcome will be. Will your loved one finally be “getting better” and enjoying a sober life? How can you overcome the pain and hurt that they may have caused when you gave them the support they needed for the desire of recovery? Understanding the right ways to approach and communicate with someone in rehab is very important in their treatment process.
Effective communication is also important when trying to have a productive conversation and express to them about how they may have hurt you in the past by their behavior and learning how to love and forgive one another. Writing a letter or going to counseling with each other are ways to help in having constructive communications with a loved one who is currently in rehab.
How to cope with a loved one
Sometimes we want to feel the love and support from close relatives. Can you think of positive and encouraging words for someone in rehab? Or know how to support someone in rehab?
Not feeling the love while in rehab is part of what makes a person’s struggle more difficult with addiction. They sometimes feel judged, attacked, and criticized. Many will start to feel unhappy, and depressed and isolate themselves to avoid dealing with others and their addiction. Not encouraging them could discourage them from getting help. Supporting them with encouraging words while in rehab or when someone is considering going to rehab, can be reassuring and have a positive impact.
Words of encouragement for recovering drug addicts will not only show them that you’re supportive of them, but also shows you care and that no matter the struggles that they will deal with, you will always be there for them.
Accepting treatment and completing a rehab program is the safest and most effective way for someone to recover when struggling with an addiction. Many recovering addicts need constant guidance, and your support. They also need inspiration and encouragement to show them that they have what it takes to be successful and be sober again.
Encouraging words for someone in rehab can be nurturing when they’ve hurt you, sympathetic when they’ve felt alone, and make them feel loved when they need reassurance that everything will be ok.
Talking to someone in rehab or knowing what to say, doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s true that many can struggle when it comes to expressing their feelings, but the best policy is honesty when using words.
There are tips that can be used when coping with a loved one in rehab
1. Get yourself better.
If the drug rehab your loved one is going to doesn’t provide family care or counseling, you should find your own help or a therapist that provides help in these areas. Drug and alcohol addiction can greatly impact everyone around you and cause a great deal of painful and emotional stress. Often there are times where you see your loved one in distress to their addiction to drugs like oxycontin or cocaine, that can cause traumas and be difficult to get past. Not addressing these feelings of anger, depression, and doubt can be drastically damaging to the achievement of your family members. This could also ruin your relationships and bring stress.
2. Stop blaming
Have you ever said, “I wouldn’t be so demanding if she/he wasn’t an alcoholic/drug addict,” or “I lost my job, friends and money because of him/her being an addict.” You need to put a stop to this now! They’re making the effort to conquer this addiction to substances/alcohol. Mom and Dad, your son or daughter has been trying their best to stop using drugs and start a new beginning to life. By always putting them down and putting the blame on them, for what addiction has done to you, you are only hurting their recovery.
3. Find people in the same situation
You are not alone in this. There are many families looking to restore themselves after addiction. Involving yourself in groups and programs can be a great way to feel accepted and supported, if you can’t find local resources or networks that are online, with people that are in the same situation. Support groups are a great way to learn new ideas of how to help your loved one be successful.
4. Have your own life.
This tip is the most basic but will probably be the most difficult advice for you to follow. Your life has been revolved around a loved one’s battling disease. You’ve probably spent many years trying to get your loved one help, and spent quite a bit of money. You’ve argued, cried, and went through emotional roller coasters repeatedly. You’ve done everything to keep your loved one away from so called “friends” or individuals that were bringing them down with them. You’ve worried more than you even knew someone could worry, and you’ve lost sleep, peace, and balance. You’ve sacrificed friendships and relationships to commit to that loved one suffering with addiction. You just have to let it all go.
As difficult as it is going to be, you need to learn to trust again. Healing after addiction means you have to think back to the old things that made you happy. Think about what makes you smile, and what makes you, you. Think of positive things or situations that made you happy before addiction took over your loved one, and who you were. If you work on this, along with getting yourself better, things will get much easier.
5. Trust, but still be mindful.
As said above, telling yourself that you need to rebuild trust with your loved one and to find yourself again seems counterproductive. But you still need to take precaution and watch your back. Unfortunately, it will be like this way for a while.
What you can trust is having COMMUNICATION!
You can trust that your loved one knows that they need to communicate more than normal. They know that they need to text you and let you know where they are at, at most times. They know that if they say they’re going to be some place, they better be there and not somewhere else. They know they have to work to get your trust back and if they follow this, you could let them back in.
Be worried of old behaviors.
Keep in mind, it is possible for individuals to relapse. But by now, you should know what addiction looks like, and you’ll be able to see old repetitive behaviors. If your newly recovered loved one stops texting when you’ve asked them to, shows up late to functions or doesn’t come home on time, or even begins to avoid eye contact and seems like they are back to their old ways, you need to get them into rehab ASAP. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate and give us a call. We’ve been through it all. We know the questions that need to be asked and know how to guide you through this. If you call us with suspicion and it turns out they were late or didn’t answer because of a legit incident, don’t worry, you’re out nothing and the call is free. But if you’re right about your gut instinct than you made one of the best choices.
This time of change for both you and your loved one can be very difficult, but there’s nothing worse than going back to your old ways before they went to rehab. Take the steps to succeed, not only for yourself, but for your entire family. You need to move forward and ask for help when needed. Know that you are not being selfish.
Know that were here for you at Drug Treatment Finders and we hope that these tips are helpful when coping with a loved one in rehab.
When writing a letter to someone in rehab Send warm wishes
Rehab is a lot of work. Your friend or loved one may be dealing with physical and emotional pain. The facility they are attending, probably requires them to follow very strict rules and guidelines. Adjusting to this type of structure and now having a daily routine can be challenging. Your loved one needs your support. Make sure you let them know you are thinking about them, care, and hope they are doing well. recognize their work, and let them know you are proud of them.
Think Ahead
There may have been hurtful things your loved one has said and done during addiction. Think ahead of time when to approach your concern about these issues. Instead of referring back to this concern, you should wait for a later and better time. Reassure your loved one that you look forward to discussing your friendship/relationship at a later time. In the meantime, your friend will probably be plotting how to make amends with everyone they’ve hurt
Share Information while being Cautious
You may want to let your friend know how you’re doing, but when it comes to outside events or social gatherings, veer away from anything that they think they might be missing out on and be careful with the information you are sharing. By sharing information about things they may be missing out on, it may cause a distraction from there recovery.
Care for Yourself
You may find yourself thinking and pondering about your loved one, this is normal. Make sure you remember that your loved one or friend must take responsibility for their actions, and that you are responsible for taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting normal rest, eating properly and exercising. Do things that you enjoy and make you happy, like spending time with other friends and family members. Talking to others and writing in a journal will be beneficial as well.
When Is a Good Time for Family to Come to Visit?
When visiting someone in rehab, there is no exact “right” time for visits. It is different for each person who attends rehab. If the last time you saw your loved one, was when you were using drugs/alcohol then I’m sure you’ll be excited for them to see the change and progress that you’ve made so far.
If you have been communicating by phone and/or by letter, your family members will probably have already noticed a change. Although, this is not the same as seeing you in person. They will want to know that you are well and improving.
When you’re ready to see your family, as well as your family ready to see you, talk to your counselor and let them know it’s time to schedule a meeting.
Can All of My Family Members Come to Visit?
Not all family members are exactly good for you to be around when you’re in recovery. If any of them are using drugs and/or alcohol, it is in your best interest to stay away from them. The family member who says, they only use “occasionally” is not healthy to be around. You need to associate yourself with healthy, sober people from now on.
Any relatives who are not completely on board with supporting your recovery should avoid visiting you, while you are undergoing treatment. They are more likely to say or do something to distract you from staying focused on your recovery. In the early stages of sobriety, you don’t need this distraction.
What Are the Rules of Family Members Visiting Me in Rehab?
Family members who want to visit you while in rehab are not allowed to bring anything into the facility that might jeopardize your recovery. This includes:
• Drugs (Prescription and non-prescription)
• Alcohol
• Herbal remedies
• Over-the-counter medications
They also shouldn’t bring anything into the facility that is harmful like weapons that could harm you and cause physical harm to yourself in case you become frustrated or start having suicidal thoughts. Even though centers have staff that are trained, to recognize this, it is hard to monitor and watch out for someone’s every move.
Your family members may be asked directly if they have anything harmful or have any prohibited substances on them before they are allowed to visit. While most family members don’t carry these on them, it is a question that they need to ask everyone that enters the premises. They are not trying to accuse or infer anything, it is just a safety precaution that is taken. Get help now and don’t wait till it’s too late.
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