5 Things for Loved Ones to Remember about Addiction Recovery

The road to successful addiction treatment and long-term recovery isn't straight and is rarely smooth. It's a winding path with twists, turns, and often setbacks. Bumps, potholes and hurdles often get in the way.

Whoever travels down this road needs resilience and determination — and that includes loved ones of those facing addiction. If you keep your eyes on the road, stay strong, and face the challenges head-on, you'll help your loved one get to where they need to be: a life without addiction.

Calling certain things to mind while traveling down this road can give you strength, perseverance, and hope. Addiction medicine specialist Aakash Kaushik Shah, M.D. recommends that loved ones of those facing addiction remember these five facts:

Addiction is a Medical Condition, Not a Life Choice

Substance Use Disorder, the medical diagnosis for addiction, is a complex condition, not a mere lack of willpower or a moral failing. It is a medical condition, which also has genetic component and may run in the family, which may predispose someone to dependency on a 

People with substance use disorder, which has hereditary or genetic predisposition, often have brain chemistry that makes it difficult to control their impulses or urges.

Imagine if cancer or heart disease were treated as character flaws – addiction is no different in that it is a medical condition. However, society often views substance use with less empathy than other medical conditions, which makes it even harder on the individual and family to understand. Loved ones who understand this can provide critical support and compassionate support. 

“The science is clear: addiction is a disease,” says Dr. Shah. “Just like other chronic diseases, people’s journeys with this aren’t straightforward. Sometimes patients, even those who have the disease under control, can take two steps forward and one step back.”

Recovery is a Continuous Process

Many people mistakenly view recovery as a one-time event, like flipping a switch. In reality, recovery is a lifelong journey with many ups and downs. Setbacks are common, but they don't signify failure. Instead, they offer opportunities for growth and learning. 

Celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and be patient during setbacks. A supportive environment is crucial if you want your loved one to have a long-term recovery.

"There’s rarely a straight path, it zigs and zags, so keep that in mind so you don’t become discouraged by it and give up," says Dr. Shah. "When someone experiences a setback, pull them closer and give them greater support as opposed to pushing them away and losing hope."

The Root Causes Need to be Addressed

Addiction often stems from underlying issues such as trauma, mental health challenges or unresolved emotions. To provide meaningful support, try to address these root causes. Encourage your loved one to seek therapy, attend support groups, or engage in activities that promote their emotional well-being. By addressing the core issues, you’re contributing to a more resilient recovery.

Encourage Healthy Boundaries

Supporting someone in recovery doesn't mean sacrificing your well-being. Everyone involved needs to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. That means understanding the difference between supporting and enabling — sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to say no. Encourage self-responsibility and independence while offering a safety net when needed.

Educate Yourself on Relapse Prevention

Maintaining long-term recovery takes active work. Make an effort to learn about potential triggers and help your loved one develop and use healthy coping mechanisms. For many people in addiction recovery, common triggers may include:

• Stress: Overwhelming pressure from work, relationships, or life events may lead someone to seek relief through substance use.
• Negative emotions: Feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration can cause some people to turn to substances to cope.
• Social pressures: Peer pressure or being in environments where substance use is prevalent can tempt people to relapse.
• Isolation: Loneliness or a lack of support can contribute to relapse. 
• Overconfidence: A false sense of confidence that one can handle a small amount of the substance without consequences can be a dangerous trigger.

Understanding the signs of relapse and knowing how to intervene can make a huge difference. Be proactive with a relapse prevention plan while offering encouragement and caring support when needed.

“Positive reinforcement is huge,” says Dr. Shah. “If you like what you’re seeing during your loved one’s recovery, make sure they know it. Make sure they feel seen and heard.”

Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery requires patience, understanding and continuous learning. Remember that addiction recovery is a collaborative effort. Your support is like a beacon of hope, helping to guide your loved one down the ever-winding road.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our source: Aakash Kaushik Shah, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a behavioral health specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about behavioral health and psychiatry services.

 
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.