Addiction recovery can be a lonely process. Even with help from doctors, therapists and support groups, ultimately the addict is the only one who can face their addiction and work to overcome their substance abuse and maintain their sobriety.

But while the addict’s struggles are unique to them, they don’t have to do it without others around them who love and support them. And family can be a vital resource at such a time.

For the family of loved ones working their way through addiction recovery, it can be a challenge to know how to help them, but it is possible. Supporting a loved one in recovery can be done with a little help from these tips for family members.

Addiction can be a significant strain on not just the addict, but all those around them, especially their family. The addict’s behavior can create fractures in the family structure, damaging relationships and seeding distrust and anger amongst everyone. But once the addict accepts their substance abuse problem and seeks treatment, the best thing for the family unit is to work with them in recovery to find healing for them and everyone.

But how to do that? Here are a few tips for family members on things they can do to assist their loved one in their addiction recovery:

  1. Accountability. The recovering addict is under continual strain to resist cravings and temptations that can lead to relapse, and having someone who can look over their shoulder at times and keep them on the straight and narrow can help. They can create a positive environment and reduce triggers and push the addict to foster healthier habits. The family member is not a nanny, of course, but by checking up on their loved one, reinforcing their personal responsibility and reminding them of the importance of sticking to their recovery, they can help keep them motivated and accountable on their recovery path.
  2. Reinforcing positive behavior. It’s important to not only prevent the recovering addict from engaging in unhealthy patterns and negative behaviors, but also to encourage them in the positive behavior they undertake. By encouraging them when they take the right steps, they can help them stay positive and healthy in their recovery.
  3. Showing hope and understanding. Sometimes the recovering addict just needs someone to acknowledge their hard work and the struggle they encounter. The family member isn’t just there to discourage bad things and encourage good things. They are to show understanding to the addict, accepting their discouragements and reminding them of the continual hope of recovery.

At Good Landing Recovery, family members are seen as an important support network for a recovering addict and tips like these can help family members offer the right support when it’s needed.

Supporting a loved one in recovery is not an easy task at times, but it is a vital one, often at the same times it’s hardest. With these tips for family members, you can have a better idea of how to help your loved one avoid relapse and have the greatest recovery they can.