Addiction puts a strain on even the closest family units. It may get to the point where the relationship you had with a family member devolves into nothing but their addiction. Once they decide to seek treatment, their struggles will not be over after a successful rehab stay. Your loved one will need help continuing in their recovery. Below are some tips on how you can help your family member continue their sober living lifestyle. Pines Recovery Life Detox can help individuals in early recovery through our transitional living program.

Educate Yourself About the Process of Recovery

Addiction is a complex disorder that affects everyone differently. Try not to go on assumptions you may have about how addiction works and what your family member may be able to handle. The more you learn about both subjects, the better equipped you will handle different situations as they arise.

Try not to think of their stay at rehab as your family member being “cured.” Sober living will mean staying away from things that might trigger their worst impulses. Knowing what those might be can keep you from inadvertently pushing them toward temptation.

Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations

Completion of a rehab stay won’t magically transform your family member into your ideal version of them. They may have various problems to deal with, like finding a place to live and looking for a way to earn a steady income. Some people develop ongoing health issues from years of substance abuse.

In addition to all that, there is always the possibility of a relapse. Once you accept your loved one’s current state, you can be more emotionally prepared to deal with any challenges. Your family member may also benefit from staying at a sober living facility instead of living with you. That can reduce some of the strain as you rebuild that relationship.

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Be Willing To Change Your Lifestyle

You may have to make some sacrifices to support your family member in their sobriety fully. If they have a problem with alcohol, you may want to refrain from having it within their vicinity. You may have to avoid serving alcoholic drinks at family functions during the early stages of their recovery. If they decide to start exercising, you might want to think about joining them, so they have someone there for company. You can both look to form relationships with people also committed to sober living.

Set Boundaries For Yourself

You might be tempted to fill all the holes in your family member’s life as they adjust to sober living. That can quickly burn you out emotionally and financially. Try not to be drawn into a place where you are neglecting yourself and other family members. That could cause you to build resentments that lead to a further relationship breakdown with your newly sober loved one.

Find Your Own Treatment Outlet

Addiction affects everyone in the family. Attending therapy sessions for yourself can help you work through any complicated feelings you may have toward your loved one and their sober living. You may still have emotions like anger to work through because of the actions of your family member. There are support groups available to help family members like Al-Anon and SMART Recovery.

It may help if you also looked for ways to deal with any stress you have built up. Try writing down what you feel so that you get a better grasp of your thoughts. Meditation can put you in a more peaceful state, along with exercise like Yoga.