Roughly 40% to 60% of people undergoing alcoholism or addiction treatment relapse within 12 months of leaving the rehab centers. By the time addicts leave the rehab facilities, most are fully dedicated to their goal of sobriety. However, because of lacking professional and community support, many relapse once they leave the facilities. The good news is addicts surrounded by positive friends and relatives are less likely to relapse. Here is what to do to support your loved one’s dream of sobriety.

Be the Shoulder They Can Lean On

People going through addiction recovery face lots of challenges. They’re emotionally deprived, bored, and lonely. Their cravings are still high, and their finances are low. These are enough problems to make someone relapse. As an honest friend or relative, don’t watch your addicted loved one battle all these problems alone. Offer them a shoulder to lean on, engaging them in activities and hobbies that keep them active and busy. Chip in where you can offer the financial and emotional support they dearly need. Let your loved one know that you are willing to be their accountability partner as well. You can tell them you will step in to get them further help if needed as well. 

Eradicate the Triggers

The presence of drug triggers is enough temptation to force someone to relapse. Remove alcohol and drugs from easy-to-access places in your home. If you’re a drug user, avoid using them in the presence of the person undergoing recovery. Help the loved ones eradicate all the drug paraphernalia and substances. Watch their movements and keep them from outings at clubs, bars, or parties where drugs and alcohol are served.

Understand the Loved One

Substance use disorder affects the loved one’s behavior and brain. Their way of thinking and behaviors change tremendously. Understand the monster they are facing to offer them the support they need. Substance abuse treatment specialists understand the pain points and troubles your loved one is facing. That’s why they were able to take them through the demanding initial stages of recovery. You may even want to consider scheduling therapy for yourself. You will likely need support for your mental health when it comes to coping with a loved one’s addiction. Don’t forget to set boundaries for yourself if needed. 

Don’t Make Their Life Harder Than It Is

It’s wrong to use your addicted loved one as the bridge to your comfort. Avoid using emotional manipulation as a tool to make your loved one attain sobriety. Instead of telling your loved one to stop using a drug to make you happy, make them happy by providing the support they need to achieve sobriety. Support their little efforts and applaud them for every successful step they make towards recovery.

Attaining sobriety is a long, emotionally-draining process. You wouldn’t want to be the reason your loved one relapses. Offer them adequate emotional and financial support to ease their journey to sobriety. Help your loved one find professional help if needed and enroll them in an addiction recovery program.