Addiction is a disease that chirps away at the happiness around an addict, be it family or a friend. Unfortunately, the situation is worse for the one who’s addicted. With feelings of helplessness and confusion, the journey to recovery needs a lot of love, patience, and understanding. If you have a loved one recovering from addiction, here are five things to do that will help them recover.

Remember They Are Human

Addiction builds a lot of distrust, and eventually, all of the pent-up anger may come rushing out at some point towards the addict. However, remember that even after successfully recovering from the addiction, support from experts, such as the Awakenings Health and Wellness Centre, will help you shower them with love and assurance. Remember that they have taken the most crucial step. Do your part by avoiding communication that causes separation and guilt. They have put themselves through enough and there is no need to treat them like an outcast.

Stop Enabling

Drug and alcohol addiction comes with many financial implications. Besides, it can lead to legal implications that can come up at any time. Unfortunately for some addicts, the situation is so bad that they may end up physically causing harm to themselves or others. Strive to ensure full support is after completing the recovery time and showing considerable changes after discharge from Awakenings Health and Wellness Centre. If the addict purports to be making progress, but places loved ones in physical and financial danger, it’s vital to make them face the consequences of their actions to start making progress.

Set Boundaries Lovingly

Many addicts often have people they attach themselves to as they feel physically and mentally safe in their presence. If you happen to be in that situation, don’t use your advantage by asking them to quit if they loved you. Instead, set a firm boundary reminding them the recovery is for their own sake. A healthy boundary of what is expected of them in terms of behavior will push them to take recovery seriously, especially with consequences.

Lifetime Support

Addiction from alcohol and drugs is a lifetime commitment, and there may be times that the resolve for abstinence may wane. When it happens, ensure physical and mental support to help them avoid relapsing. Celebrate each sobriety year by reminding them how far they have come and the gains they have managed to get in that period. Stay in touch as their support network frequently. And help them remember the steps that they have taken to get to where they are now. One of the most helpful things they can do is to get involved with helping someone else on their road to recovery too. It has been proven that being a support for someone that is recovering helps build a positive psychological outlook of themselves. This is done as they become a foundation for their newfound friend.

Read More on Substance Abuse

With a loved one recovering, understanding substance abuse is the only way to help them well. Read and learn continuously about why it’s hard and what it will take to break the cycle. Be knowledgeable in all areas to understand their feelings and be better positioned to help loved ones.