To many out there struggling with addiction, rehab sounds like anything but a solution. Due to a lack of education and available resources, people are unable to recognize the benefits that come with a structured recovery process at a West Virginia treatment center. Hence why the fear of going to rehab in Parkersburg is more than common. However, modern rehab takes on a personalized, and often holistic approach. It also focuses on all aspects of addiction, in addition to physiological consequences. One of the goals is also to mitigate the fear of the recovery process and provide a supportive environment at every step of the patient’s journey. Continue reading →
When family members or loved ones abuse drugs, it affects everyone they know. Their addiction can have emotional, psychological, financial, and environmental effects on the people who care about them most. The challenge with addiction is that the addict is not the only one impacted by this disease. Friends and family members of addicts can have difficulty with the addict’s behavior, financial problems, legal problems and the daily struggle of supporting a loved one.
When considering how to deal with an addict and how to deal with addiction, it’s important to consider the nature of addiction. When addictions strike, those family members and friends need to take steps to get the person they love into treatment programs that can help. These family members and friends also need to take care of their own health, so they can provide the love and support that addicted people need in order to heal. Today we take a look at tips that family and friends can reference to support an addicted family member or friend.
Educate yourself about addiction.
We all know knowledge is power, therefore the more you learn, the calmer your state of mind will be. Family members of addicts should investigate and learn about the substance that you believe your loved one is using or may be addicted to. Opinions and facts are different. Stick to the facts and not the opinions of well-meaning friends who could cloud your head with misinformation. The more you know about your loved one’s addiction, its characteristics and traits, the more confident you can be in a conversation regarding their specific situation. You won’t be caught off guard or caught up with another’s opinion if you’ve already done your own research.
Consider Attending an Open Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
This can be a profound and eye-opening experience, as these meetings are usually “speaker meetings” where one individual talks for the bulk of the meeting and traces their life from dysfunction and destruction to recovery. You can hear firsthand the same plight that your loved one may be experiencing from someone else, affording you some distance and objectivity.Education can also help family members of addicts to escape the blame game. Rather than believing that the person’s addiction stems from weakness, willfulness, or stubbornness, they might learn how addictions stem from changes in brain chemistry and electrical impulse alterations. That data might help families to let go of their anger, so they can focus on healing.
There are many resources for finding this information: SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) has all types of educational and informational resources. The public library and the internet have an enormous amount of information for education, groups, support, treatment, etc.
Understand the Difference Between Support and Enabling
We all want to help the people we care about. When you see a friend or loved one struggling with addiction, you don’t see an addict; you see someone who needs help. You want to be there, to help her through a hard time. Unfortunately, the wrong kind of help can make the situation worse. How do you know whether you are supporting someone or just enabling the addiction? Enabling a family member’s addiction comes in many forms – some of which you may not think are enabling, but are. It is important to recognize the behaviors and actions you and your family are carrying out that allow your drug-addicted loved one to remain in this destructive state.
An enabler takes away any motivation for the addict to take responsibility for his or her actions. Without that motivation, there is little reason for the addict to want to change. In essence, enablers are helping addicts dig themselves deeper into trouble.
If you’re wondering whether or not you might be an enabler, here are some questions to ponder:
Do you ever lie to cover for someone else’s mistakes?
Do you consistently assign blame for problems to other people rather than the one who is really responsible?
Do you continue to offer help when it is never appreciated or acknowledged?
Do you ignore unacceptable behavior or fear that not doing something will lead to violence or the person leaving you?
Establishing Boundaries for Family Members of Addicts
Boundaries are key to creating healthy relationships; even when your loved one isn’t healthy. When your boundaries are weak – or don’t exist at all – you compromise what makes you, you. Weak boundaries allow you to lose yourself, your freedom, your personal space. Weak boundaries when a loved one is addicted, mean you will likely be lied to, cheated on, and stolen from. When you set boundaries with an addicted loved one, you increase the chances that he or she will seek help.
How does someone define their own boundaries? Think about what you will allow in your life and what you won’t put up with. Figuring out the types of behavior from others that are negatively impacting you is a good place to start.
How do I establish boundaries? Setting up boundaries may require some uncomfortable conversations but being upfront and honest is key. Let the person know that for the sake of your own mental health and emotional health, there are certain things you cannot continue to allow. Do this in a way that is as polite and concise as possible.
How do I enforce my boundaries? After a boundary has been established it is important that it is maintained, otherwise, it will become meaningless. For example, if you establish a rule that you don’t want a loved one to get high around you, but later allow them to do so, then what you say will not be taken seriously.
Family Members of Addicts – Care for Yourself Too
Acknowledge you are in your own recovery process and deserve support too. Addiction often takes a heavy financial, emotional and physical toll on families and their relationships. Self care and recognizing all family members’ needs should be an important part of any family recovery plan. Maintaining a balanced focus helps model this same healthy outlook for all family members.
Focusing on your own life is the most important thing you can do to assist the addict. If you are stressed out due to their issues, in addition to your own, it creates resentment and strain. It makes it difficult to want to help someone who has created so much difficulty in your life. By taking care of yourself through exercising, getting plenty of sleep, socializing and getting support, you may be better able to help your loved one when they are ready to accept the help.
Things to Avoid
Dont: Assume that your family member going to rehab means that everything has been resolved. He or she will need your love, guidance, and support during rehab and afterward as he establishes a new, sober life for himself. Help him or her move back into life in a step-by-step manner, maintaining your support.
Dont: Expect that the person will immediately take off for rehab when you first approach him. You may have to intervene. Either find a professional interventionist who has successfully gotten many people to rehab or get together with all your family and the addict’s close friends and cut off all means of escape. If some have been providing money or shelter, they must agree that rehab is the only option. There must be no way out other than going to rehab.
Addiction recovery can be a long and challenging journey. During this time, it’s important to show yourself self-compassion, which means being kind and understanding towards yourself. Practicing self-compassion during addiction recovery can help you to cope with the challenges that come with recovery, and it can also help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Continue reading →
Addiction is famously difficult to leave behind. Most people who abuse substances make multiple attempts to quit before they are successful and even among those who seek professional treatment, 40-60% will relapse – most within a year of achieving sobriety. But those relapses don’t come out of nowhere. They are triggered by changes in your living situation and mental health. Recognizing and managing triggers like that can, therefore, help you avoid relapse and increase your chances of a successful long-term recovery. This is why treatment at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV includes therapy that teaches you about your triggers and how to cope with them in a healthy way.
The statistics show that almost 60% of all individuals who undergo addiction treatment relapse at some point. This means that relapse is not only likely to happen, but it is also quite normal. While many people consider relapse to be a great failure on their (or their loved one’s) part, it is wrong to look at it that way. The best way to look at relapse is as a natural part of the recovery process. However, at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, we understand that relapses occur quite frequently and that they can be hard to deal with for both our patients and their loved ones. The best thing to do, of course, is to spot relapse behavior on time and act before the relapse actually occurs. To do that, you will need to be able to recognize both the common and subtle signs of relapse. Continue reading →
Recovering from addiction does not stop when you leave your rehab center. You might even say that finishing your treatment is just the first step to permanent sobriety. The fact of the matter is that you need something else to keep you on the right track. This is where hobbies come in. There are many hobbies to help you stay sober after rehab in West Virginia, from exercising, reading, and gardening to yoga, volunteering, and board games. You can find most of these activities available from any rehab in Point Pleasant WV, for example. Having a hobby or three is extremely important when trying to achieve long-lasting sobriety. In this article, we will explain exactly why hobbies are so important and provide you with some of the best hobbies for people in recovery. Continue reading →
The most important thing that you need to bring to any rehab New Lexington OH center is the willingness to get better. However, there are also some worldly possessions that may make your time there just a bit easier. Of course, staying within any West Virginia treatment center
requires some basic supplies as well. However, you can’t bring just about anything with you. In this article, we are going to provide you with all the information on what you can bring, should bring, and what you might not want to bring with you.Continue reading →
Substance use disorders are notoriously difficult to manage. Luckily, you do not need to deal with them on your own, as there are numerous rehab Cambridge OH options that can make the entire process much easier. One of the best options in Cambridge is our very own Harmony Ridge Recovery Center West Virginia. Depending on your particular situation, you can opt for medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, as well as partial hospitalization programs. Throughout the course of these programs, you will have access to numerous treatment modalities that can help you become sober. In this article, we are going to detail all the options at your disposal. Continue reading →
Due to various types of approaches to treating addiction, looking for the right rehab Point Pleasant WV centers have on offer can seem confusing. Fortunately, there are quality rehabs in WV to choose from that are also easy to find online. This guide will show you exactly what to look for in a treatment center and more. Continue reading →
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude in addiction recovery helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. The actual definition of gratitude is a positive acknowledgement of a benefit that an individual has received. Gratitude allows us to recognize the good in our lives. Focusing and appreciating the good constantly reminds us about great things all around us. And many times we realize that the sources of good are very close by.
How is gratitude in addiction recovery connected?
Those suffering from substance abuse or addiction tend to show signs of depression, and are self-centered, thinking of their own needs. With gratitude comes a less selfish attitude and more satisfaction in their needs being met and they can focus their attention on others. Gratitude in recovery is a choice, but unfortunately, not one that comes naturally to everyone in addiction treatment. The thing about the disease of addiction is that it resides in our brain. Many times throughout recovery addicts will find themselves battling their old thoughts and ways of living, and searching for gratitude can become a difficult task at times.
Once an addict begins working on cultivating gratitude in addiction recovery, they tend to develop a better mindset overall and have a much more positive perspective on life. Addiction recovery is a long and winding journey. There are moments when the recovery process will seem like a stroll in the park, at other times it will feel like a daunting expedition. This is why it is important to incorporate practices into your life that will help you along the way.
Viewing life through a lens of gratitude can benefit your life in a variety of ways. Even scientific studies have shown that gratitude in addiction recovery has many positive effects.
Here are some big ways gratitude can benefit your life in recovery and beyond.
Positive people tend to have less stress.
Gratitude boosts physical health.
Gratitude helps foster good relationships.
How do you cultivate gratitude in addiction recovery?
If people feel grateful, it is going to benefit them in many ways. But with that being said, it isn’t always easy to muster up a genuine attitude of gratitude. However, there are steps that you can take in order to grow gratitude in recovery.
Keep a gratitude journal!
Journaling can be a great way to keep the little things in mind. By writing down what you are grateful for on a daily basis, it creates a positive habit of looking for the good things. If you are faced with a troubling day, having something to reflect back on can help keep things in perspective. Try to pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings. Reflect on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you. Think big and small, and remember there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for!
Be grateful for sobriety!
Just getting sober is a massive accomplishment. Be thankful for your sobriety and be proud of yourself for obtaining it. Your life is on the up and up and there is no turning back! If we are grateful for being sober, it is more likely we will stay that way. We will focus more on being thankful for those that helped us and less on the negatives. It has to do with motivation.
By being grateful we will continue to work toward our goals in recovery, attending meetings and being engaged with those that still struggle. It is when we take our sobriety for granted that we start getting into trouble. Each day is a gift and each day sober is a new chance to appreciate those things and people in our lives that bless us.
Write a thank-you note, even if it’s to yourself!
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Gratitude in drug addiction recovery begins with you. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person’s impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.
Keep positive people in your circle of influence!
“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through.”
-Karl Marx
People tend to be influenced by the people they spend time with. Surrounding yourself with positive people can help you maintain a positive outlook and view things in a similar light. Being around positive role models can also help you grow. Gratitude comes more naturally when you can see the bright side of situations. FInding gratitude in drug addiction recovery allows thankfulness to guide your recovery journey. If someone is a positive influence on your life, it will make all the difference when you’re exploring yourself and growing into the person you aspire to be.
Don’t compare your life to others!
“A flower does not think about competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”
-Zen Shin
Another way to look at gratitude is from an opposite perspective, that people are unhappy because they want the things they do not have while failing to recognize all that they do have. Those that aren’t grateful for their own lives find themselves comparing their lives to those of others. When you find yourself with envy because you are comparing your circumstances to another’s, try to find something to be grateful for. In most cases, people deal with things you cannot see, so you should focus on your own struggles and triumphs.
Think about others first!
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
-C.S. Lewis
Self absorption can be a huge problem for people in recovery. When people are addicted to alcohol or drugs, they will spend most of the time only thinking about their own needs. When these individuals become sober, they may continue to be preoccupied with themselves. Self-absorption makes life difficult but when people feel grateful they have less reason to be so selfish. They feel satisfied that their own needs are being met so they can now focus at least some of their attention on the needs of other people.
Are you ready to find gratitude in addiction recovery?
By incorporating the above tips to bring gratitude into your daily life, you are setting yourself up for a long and healthy life in recovery. Addiction recovery is about more than simply avoiding substances. With a grateful mindset, you have the opportunity to lead a happy and fulfilling life free from addiction. However, if you are having trouble finding things to be grateful for and are slipping towards relapse, be sure to reach out to someone you trust as soon as possible. Generating gratitude is a process similar to recovery – it can be threatened by negativity, resentment, and self-pity. It’s easy to regress back into old patterns when things don’t go your way. Do not be afraid to ask for help. In the meantime, make sure that you take a moment to ‘stop and smell the roses.’ Are you or your loved one struggling with gratitude in recovery? We’re here to talk.
