Whilst there are many drug rehab programs where the addicted person will move out of their home and spend time in a residential facility, there are others that mean they stay at home. There is no right and wrong here, just each individual being placed on the drug rehab program that their drug rehab specialist believes is the most appropriate for them.
In the scenario where a drug addict remains at home, it can place further pressure on their family who, whilst happy that their loved one has gone onto a drug rehabilitation program, have the added responsibility of helping them through that program.
A worse situation is having someone with a drug addiction living under the same roof as you. It has as yet not been persuaded to enter drug rehabilitation to help them escape their addiction. Unless you have lived in such circumstances, you may not as yet appreciate that drug addiction affects not only those taking the drugs but also those who live with them,
Thankfully, there is lots of support for families of those addicted to drugs. That support is increasing and improving to the extent that many drug rehab programs include resources, advice, and sessions for loved ones as well as the person trying to break their drug addiction. Below are ten valuable tips from such programs for those living with a drug addict to help them through it all.
Educate Yourself About Addiction: The more you know about drug addiction, its causes, withdrawals, and its remedies, the better equipped you are to support your loved one through drug rehab. It also allows you to educate others in your family who might struggle to fully understand the problem.
Attend Family Therapy Sessions: Whether you are a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or child of a drug addict, you should always attend family therapy sessions when invited. There you will receive support and advice to cope with some of the family’s issues.
Network With Other Families: One of the most positive experiences you can have is connecting with other families who are going through or have gone through what your family is currently going through. The advice, support, and proof that you can succeed are precious.
Have Realistic Expectations: The biggest mistake you can make is to expect too much too soon from your loved one fighting addiction. From the outset, do not expect miracles but slow and steady progress.
Find Fun Things To Do: Drug addiction brings negativity for all, however, on the road to recovery for your family member it will help everyone if there are also occasions and events where fun, laughter, and positivity are in abundance.
Maintain Your Own Health And Fitness: While focusing on your family member’s drug rehab, there is a risk that you ignore your well-being and that of other family members, especially your children. So, ensure you maintain your health and fitness throughout this time and encourage others to do likewise.
Set Regular Sleep Times: Night times are when drug addiction can often reach a peak, so you must get everyone to stick to consistent sleep patterns at home especially at bedtimes to ensure no one is deprived of sleep.
Be Prepared For Setbacks: The journey to a loved one breaking their drug addiction is never a straight road. Instead, it has hazards, diversions, and the occasional bump in the road. So, be prepared for an occasional setback, and do not be despondent if they occur.
Stick To Routines Such As Family Mealtimes: Each day should have a routine that everyone in your household knows of, such as set mealtimes. This order helps those trying to fight drug addiction far more than days full of chaos and disorder.
Never Lose Faith In Your Loved One: Finally, always remember you, and your family, are going through this because you love the person who is trying to end their drug addiction. As such, never lose faith in them nor indeed yourself in your role in aiding them to do so.