How to Aid Your Loved Ones Through Withdrawal

Withdrawal is and can be a difficult part of the recovery process because it presents various physical and mental obstacles for the individual. Relapse rates are currently as high as 50% during and after the most intensive treatment, so it remains a major issue for addiction recovery programs. Preventing a relapse is the most essential task in addiction recovery and involves several factors such as therapy, medication, monitoring, peer support, and other emerging interventions.

Peer support is a social component that’s crucial to your loved one’s recovery. Your help and support throughout their withdrawal will be pivotal to their success. There are various ways to offer effective and lasting support, including the following:

Provide emotional support

People going through withdrawal need somebody to rely on during the more difficult times. This is because the process of recovery can often be a lonely and difficult road. Knowing you are there to provide words of encouragement and a comforting presence can make the situation easier for your loved one.

Providing emotional support starts with learning about substance abuse, particularly about the withdrawal process. Only then can you take part in empathic listening, shared problem-solving, and display compassion and understanding. But don’t forget to put your well-being first to ensure that you are fully capable of supporting your loved one during this difficult time.

Facilitate routine and a productive schedule

Addiction often leaves individuals with little to no control over their lives, which is why establishing a routine is so important. It helps to have someone else facilitate these routines, which should include setting a productive schedule. This way it provides a sense of structure, stability, and a new normal for the recovering individual.

Start by encouraging set patterns for your loved one’s basic needs such as their sleep, mealtimes, and physical activity. Then you can add productive activities, such as work, recreation, support meetings, and time with friends and family. The most important part is providing them with a predictable and reliable system and room for creativity and agency.

Work with a trusted healthcare care provider

Rehabilitation is a medical process, so working with rehab healthcare providers is an essential part of your loved one’s recovery. By collaborating with the rehab team, you can get expert advice on the appropriate steps to take. You’ll be working with substance abuse nurses who will serve as your main point of contact, especially considering the prevalence of telehealth today.

Professionals with BSN credentials, in particular, are trained to work in home healthcare settings. These nursing practitioners also treat specific health conditions, focusing on disease prevention and health management measures that are personalized for the patient — including addiction and recovery. This ensures that your loved one’s unique needs are met by trusted professionals who are experts in their fields.

Minimize or remove obstacles

During withdrawal, your loved one is sure to experience mental and physical difficulties that will prove challenging. They may be placed in situations where their past habits could be triggered. This can make typical responsibilities including work obligations, financial problems, and relationship issues difficult to handle on top of fighting cravings.

Aiding your loved one may mean taking charge of those responsibilities in the meantime. Help them avoid triggering situations when they’re not ready yet. This way, they can focus on the recovery process without added difficulty. The better they become, the more they will be able to take on the usual challenges that life throws at them.

Supporting your loved one through withdrawal will almost certainly be challenging. It might even mean taking on extra responsibilities as you take on a more active role in their recovery at the very start of their journey. It also involves having the right resources handy, whether it’s a link to sign up to NA or the contact details of your dedicated physician. By doing this, it will make the entire journey much easier until they fully recover.

Piece specially submitted to blog.sober.com

Submitted by: JBurk