It can be challenging to watch someone you love struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol. There might have been a lot of build-up for them to feel comfortable with their battle with you. It is essential to recognize that and offer support instead of judgment or other kinds of negativity. When you have both decided to find help for your loved one’s addiction, the first step to recovery is a drug or alcohol detox.
In order to offer proper support, you should educate yourself about the topic. It is easy to say the wrong thing when you need to be more informed about a topic. Take some time to understand what your loved one is going through in order to be the support as possible.
Why Medical Detox Is Necessary
A drug or alcohol detox is the process of cleansing the body of the substance it has grown dependent on. There might be some apprehension about going through this process, but remember, detox is the first step to start the recovery process.
Detox allows the body to remove toxins and heal from alcohol or other substance use. A detox is not a magical juice cleanse. When your body is forced to give up drugs or alcohol suddenly, you undergo a withdrawal period. It is crucial for the detox process to be done in a facility geared towards that. Withdrawal can cause serious side effects such as vomiting, headaches, fever, and dehydration. It is not recommended that individuals try to detox at home. When withdrawal symptoms begin, watching your family member be uncomfortable can be challenging. Medical detox centers are equipped with trained professionals who are experienced in detox management and can ensure a safe detoxification process.
How to Support a Loved One Through Detox
Although it may seem like there is nothing you can do while your loved one is undergoing detoxification, there are numerous ways to help your loved one after the process is over. Helping someone with an addiction is no easy task. You must be willing to invest time and be patient through the process. Here are five things you can do that will help your loved one through this tough time.
Prepare Your Home
If your loved one stays with you after they are released from their residential addiction program, you can use some of your free time to improve the environment and make it safe for their recovery. To create a safe environment for a recovering addict, consider these changes to your home:
- Remove any drugs or alcohol.
- Secure your prescription drugs.
- Remove unnecessary medications.
Although the body has discarded the substance, the cravings do not go away immediately. Having a stable, drug-free environment that does not have temptations will be highly beneficial to preventing relapse.
Be Open to Family Counseling
Your family member is not the only person who is engaged in their recovery. Family counseling can have many benefits for both you and your loved one. This type of therapy helps improve communication and gives you a clearer understanding of your loved one’s circumstances and feelings. In family counseling, you can expand your relationship to create a better home environment. Family counseling is especially beneficial for family members who are not experienced in handling addiction. A family therapist can help you identify new skills and address your feelings about your loved one’s recovery.
Create and Maintain a Supportive Environment
A recovering addict or alcoholic will benefit from having family and friends who make them feel comfortable and safe. Having a close relationship with someone who struggles with addiction comes with its challenges, but it is important that you do not use your relationship against them. There is a lot to learn about substance abuse, but it is vital that you remind them that they are valued and appreciated.
The first days of detox are often the most uncomfortable. If you can, take some time off to spend time with your loved one. Having someone familiar by their side can make a world of difference.
Be Patient
Recovery is a lifelong process and detox is only the first step. There will be rough patches, but one of the best things you can do is to continue offering your support. It is understandable that you may wish that there was more you could do to help, but there is only so much you can do. Your role in their life is to continue loving them and doing your best to keep them on the right track.
Stay Positive
Putting forward your best attitude rather than discouragement and negativity will help your loved one more than you know. There is nothing that you can tell them that they did not already say to themselves. Do your best to keep things stress-free for both of your sakes. Avoid phrases similar to these when speaking to someone who decides to trust you with their vulnerability:
- “If you love me, you will quit.”
- “How can you do this to me?”
Remember that words carry weight and this is not about you. Trying to deal with your negative emotions while your family member is going through or healing from detox can hinder their progress. The detox process can be hard for supporters and their loved ones. Getting this treatment is only the beginning of a lifelong journey to sobriety so there will be plenty of time in the future to have the harder conversations.
Get Support for Medical Detox in Muscle Shoals, AL
Genesis Medical Detox in Muscle Shoals, AL, is staffed with a team of educated professionals who are compassionate and knowledgeable and provide the highest quality care to ensure your detox process is safe. We understand that all paths to recovering from substance use are unique, so we offer treatment plans personalized to meet each individual’s needs. If you or someone you love is looking for a supportive environment in which to begin their recovery journey, please give us a call at (844) 895-0537. Take the first step toward getting your loved one the help they need.
