Why a Support System is Crucial to Recovery Success
Drug and alcohol addiction rarely affects just one person. There are usually loved ones that have been impacted by the addiction for years or even decades. Whether they are a child or spouse who has experienced neglect or abuse because of alcohol dependency or a parent who is unable to reach their child, the people closest to an addict are usually suffering in one form or another. Once a loved one has decided to seek treatment for his or her addiction, it is imperative that they receive support. It can be difficult because many of the people who they may need the most support from have felt victimized. Supporting someone in recovery is not always easy but it will go a long way in their overall success with sobriety.
Forgiving Doesn’t Mean Forgetting
It is important for all parties, the individual struggling with addiction and their loved ones, to know that supporting someone through addiction does not mean that their behavior is excused. Feelings of neglect or acts of violence must be addressed, ideally by a licensed therapist. Part of a successful recovery means that the hurt that the addiction caused to other people is acknowledged and validated. For many people struggling with addiction, they have spent years breaking promises to loved ones, rebuilding that trust is not done overnight.
Support through Education
The best thing for loved ones to do is to educate themselves about addiction and treatment. It is crucial for close family and friends to be a part of the recovery process. They should understand the potential for relapse and ask for advice from licensed counselors on how to avoid triggers and strategies for relapse prevention. The more support that a person has in their sobriety, the more likely that they are to stick with it and overcome obstacles that every addict faces.