Have an Addiction Photo via Pixabay by Gisela Merkuur

Choosing to recover from an alcohol or drug addiction is a big step for an addict, and it can also be a tremendous undertaking for the addict’s family.  Major lifestyle changes are occurring for both the addict and their family.  There will be many ups and downs on the road to recovery, and proper care and support must be given to all involved in this arduous process. Read on for some tips courtesy of Birdies4Bipolar.

Making the Commitment

Recovering from an alcohol or drug addiction is not a decision that can be pushed on you. You have to make that choice for yourself and really want to be sober.  You must realize that it will not be easy and will take time for friends and family to trust you, but do not quit.

While seeking help for your addiction, do not neglect your mental health.  There are reasons you started to abuse drugs or alcohol, and you need to address them.  Combined psychological and addiction treatment is the most successful way to stay sober for life.  If you do not find healthier ways to deal with the stressors that ignited your addiction, you are more likely to relapse. 

Focusing on your mental and physical health can build healthy habits to enable your body to handle future stress.  Exercise, healthy eating, a good sleep schedule, and a positive attitude can greatly improve your recovery success rate.  Keeping your mind and body strong can help you ward off relapses and cravings for your old lifestyle. 

Locate recovery support groups in your area and use them to keep yourself grounded in recovery.  Support from people who were in your shoes can be an amazing coping device.  You can learn tips from people like you to stay sober and pitfalls to avoid. If the person in recovery is a senior, know that counseling and therapy will be covered by Medicare Part B.

Remember to clear out remnants of addiction from your life and your home, whether they be people, mementos, or places you used to frequent.  If it is too difficult in the beginning, try a sober living home.  This can be a safe and supportive place to reside while recovering, especially in the beginning stages when you might not have a stable place to call home. 

Finding  ways to be happy with your decision to stay sober can increase your chances of recovery.  When you are enjoying life without alcohol or drugs, it can be a great motivator to keep it that way.  Start new or old hobbies that you enjoy, give back to society through community service or volunteering, or build spirituality within yourself to nurture optimism and strength.  All of these things will build confidence and the need to keep living better than you were before. 

The Family Support System Needs Love, Too

When an addict is spiralling out of control, it is highly likely that their family is as well.  It is extremely important for families of addicts to support their loved one on the road to recovery while also making sure to get help for themselves during the process. 

Educating yourself about your loved one’s addiction is a good way to get a healthy grasp on what you can do for them and what you can’t.  It may help divert blame or guilt among family members and focus solely on the recovery of the addict. 

Connect with peer groups for families of addicts for support.  It is often a great relief to know that your family is not the only one out there dealing with addiction and its repercussions.  You will learn information and coping strategies to deal with your loved one’s recovery process and setbacks. 

Make appointments for family therapy sessions to keep everyone moving forward in the right mindset.  Therapy can keep things in perspective, help the family cope with changes, and remind you of the positives even when they are the smallest victories. 

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