How to Help When Your Loved One Comes Home from Rehab

The day that a loved one is able to return from a drug rehab facility is a joyous time for both the recovered individual and his or her family and friends. But simply finishing an addiction treatment program does not mean the battle against addiction is over. Indeed, the challenge to remain sober and make wise choices can prove to still be quite difficult, which is why providing the right type of support is essential in these situations.

Remove Temptation

One of the most difficult things for any recovering addict is exposure to potential relapse triggers. Even being in the same room as an alcoholic beverage could create a difficult mental battle. Avoiding exposure to drugs and alcohol is believed to be one of the biggest factors in helping a recovered addict remain sober. Family and friends can help by keeping their home a drug or alcohol-free environment and removing other potential relapse triggers.

Be Patient and Supportive

It’s unreasonable to expect someone to be completely “back to normal” immediately after successfully finishing a drug rehab program. Even though an individual may no longer be physically dependent upon their substance, many of the mental and emotional struggles associated with the addiction may still present issues from time to time. Be willing to listen and provide encouragement. Be patient as your loved one adjusts to his or her return to an addiction-free lifestyle.

Educate Yourself

Educating yourself on the addiction recovery process will make it easier to understand what your loved one is going through. This in turn will help you learn the best techniques for providing healthy, loving support. Many drug rehab programs offer specialized courses to provide this education to the family of addicted individuals, as well as help family members deal with the effects of their loved one’s decisions. Receiving this additional support for your own benefit will make it that much easier to provide support when your loved one returns home.

Kevin Johnson is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House.