Living with a recovering alcoholic isn’t just a challenge for the recovering alcoholic, but those closest to them. We at Meehab Addiction Recovery would like to list some tips and advice for those living with a recovering alcoholic to continue helping your loved one and to help you along the way.
Living with a Recovering Alcoholic
1) Extended problems. The consequences of addiction could continue to affect the rest of the family for a long time even after your loved one has successfully completed treatment. A few lingering consequences could include financial difficulty, health issues, and relationship challenges. You can address the financial problems by encouraging your loved one to attend financial help awareness programs and meet with a financial advisor. Ensure your loved one is regularly seeing his/her physician to address any potential health issues, if any exist support and encourage them to defeat them. Finally consider family based therapy sessions to work through problems derived of over consumption of alcohol.
2) Educate yourself and be involved. Many rehab centers offer therapy for the family as well as offering guidance and assistance to help through the recovery process. Agreeing to therapy sessions and educating yourself on the powers of addiction, intervention skills and to learn how to communicate without projecting blame can be tremendous help for your recovering alcoholic loved one.
3) Offer support in sobriety. Simply maintaining an alcoholic-free home and supporting the sobriety with sobriety is important for the recovering alcoholic. Keeping the temptation as far as possible as well as not feeling envious of those indulging is essential for recovery. Make a run through your home and make certain all the lingering alcohol bottles are properly disposed of. If the family is use to consuming alcohol at social event or even as a nightly ritual to unwind, the family should consider lifestyle changes to help the recovering alcoholic in their family overcome their adversity.
4) Reduce stress. Those recovering from alcoholism is susceptible stress and in turn to relapse. Some common stress sources for individuals include family conflicts, relations, work or school, health issues, and finances. Understanding the stress and what you can do to help alleviate it will assuredly help the recovering alcoholic through the rough patches. Programs such as adult education courses, relationship counseling, and therapy groups can help reduce stress for you and the recovering alcoholic in your family. Manage your own stress and encourage the recovering alcoholic to do the same by journaling, meditating, exercising, or even controlled breathing.
5) Avoiding relapse. It is essential that you understand your loved one is at risk of relapsing, no matter how strong they appear on the outside. By avoiding the relapse before it ever unfolds, you can keep your loved one from giving in. Below you will find a few warning signs your loved one might at risk of relapsing.
– Attitude or behavior suddenly changes.
– Reconnecting with friends he/she would drink with.
– Romanticizing past alcohol use.
– Loss of interest in hobbies or activities.
– Withdrawal symptoms.
Second Chances for Recovering Alcoholics & Addicts
If you believe you see the signs of a potential relapse in your loved one approach them in a kind manner without placing judgment or blame as you express your concerns. Firmly suggest they contact their sponsor if they are involved in a program. If they are not in the 12-step program offer to go with them and finally, encourage them to schedule an appointment with their therapists. Our soon to be released app assists you in finding AA meetings, rehab treatment facilities that are compatible with your insurance as well as help you find new friends. Click here to be the first to download!
