Substance use disorder doesn’t just change the life of an individual struggling with the disease; it can also affect the lives of people close to them. They may become moody or emotionally unstable, and withdraw from their family and friends. If you have a loved one with substance abuse problems, you may feel sad or angry. It’s okay to feel this way. It’s also important to acknowledge they need your help and support to seek treatment.
Going into rehab is the first step to a substance-free life and it’s not an easy one. If your loved one is suffering from mild substance abuse, they may opt for an outpatient treatment program. A flexible option and ideal setup if your loved one has other responsibilities and wants to stay home. Consider places like Fort Myers drug rehab facilities and other Florida-based treatment centers offering outpatient programs.
You may find it challenging to support them but this is just normal for someone new to the situation. Just remember that the support of family and friends is critical to your loved one’s recovery. To help you, here’s how you can support them in outpatient rehab.
Know Their Program
First, educate yourself with the type of substance addiction your loved one is battling and possible treatment options. Every case is different so you need to work to understand what you can expect by doing research and asking your loved one’s treatment team. Ask them about the physical and mental health risks, myths about substance abuse, and things you can and can’t do to support them.
Outpatient treatment programs allow your loved one to go home and go to work or school. However, they need to be fully committed to their recovery. They are expected to complete their treatment while managing their responsibilities outside rehab. Knowing the different types of outpatient treatment and what the requirements are will help you best provide support.
Day programs require patients to come into the rehab facility five to seven days a week for multiple hours each day. During this time, they participate in therapy, group counseling, and other supplementary therapies like music or art therapy.
Intensive outpatient programs have established treatment plans with measurable results that track progress. Multiple sessions each week for counseling, group therapy and participation in 12-step support groups may be required. Because the demands of this treatment are much higher, ask if you can help with practical things like running errands or helping with meals.
Trust the Process
It’s good to be invested in your loved one’s treatment progress, but trust the treatment team and listen to all of their advice. Remember your loved one is in good hands. They are getting help from medical professionals trained and educated to treat people with substance use disorder.
Refrain from asking your loved one for details of their treatment or counseling when they come home. Help them enjoy the other things happening in their lives aside from treatment. Also, you need to respect their progress. They will open up to you when they are ready. Trust they are working hard on their recovery and don’t necessarily need more supervision.
Don’t take it personally when the health care team doesn’t divulge information about your loved one’s treatment. To comply with federal privacy laws and to respect the confidentiality of patients, staff is prohibited from giving out specific information. Instead, ask how you can help in your loved one’s recovery.
Be Involved
Participate in the family support programs when your loved one asks. Participate in family day or education programs. Take those opportunities to address concerns, ask questions, and express how you feel about your loved one’s progress. Family education programs provide you with more information about how substance use disorder affects family dynamics and how to support your loved one. During this time, rehab counselors are present to guide each family throughout the discussion. Being present in this kind of activity. This will encourage your loved one to continue working on their treatment.
While the majority of the work is up to your loved one in treatment, your support may lighten their burden. Help them stay on the path of a substance-free life by being a supportive presence in their recovery.
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