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Having a loved one in recovery can be difficult for individuals and families alike. Being a support system can be stressful, especially when thinking about the difficulties a loved one may face in recovery. Between worrying about their wellbeing, preparing for the life changes that come with sobriety, and trying to rebuild trust in relationships with those in recovery, stress can be constant. As a loved one of someone in recovery, it can be imperative to get help for oneself. There are numerous resources available for everyone involved in the recovery process. Whether someone is reaching for their sobriety or supporting a loved one in their journey, help may be necessary to cope with the intense stress and change.
You Don't Have to Be a Bastion of Strength
As a support system of a loved one, someone may expect themselves to have their own lives entirely under control and exude a confident strength at all times. However, the stress of these expectations isn’t reasonable for anyone and can be detrimental to their health. Without allowing one’s self to express their vulnerabilities and weaknesses, it is possible that even the strongest supports can begin to experience the anxiety and depression that come with this kind of emotional denial. Being a support system doesn’t mean that someone has to be strong at all times, and seeking aid for oneself to help them cope with the stresses of their own lives can ultimately help them become even better support. Everyone needs an emotional outlet, and getting help can demonstrate the importance of reaching out to others for aid, regardless of the struggles they may face.
Deconstructing a Tense Atmosphere
Getting help for one’s self can be especially beneficial when living alongside a loved one in recovery. The anxieties caused by the myriad of changes during recovery can be challenging to process, and harboring these anxieties without an outlet can create a tense atmosphere. Stressful home atmospheres can be felt by all, and left unaddressed can cause tension or difficulties in rebuilding relationships. Such an environment can strain an already delicate situation, making honest conversation even more difficult. Deconstructing a tense atmosphere can mean finding a neutral place to have an open discussion about each other’s mental health or allowing each person their outlets. However, it will require everyone to be willing to participate as equals, which means learning to address their mental state alongside their loved ones. While this may seem complicated, one’s therapy sessions or support groups can help reach this kind of open and honest communication.
Learning About Addiction and Communication
Getting help for one’s stresses can also help someone better understand the difficulties and changes that their loved one may be going through in the recovery process. Addiction is a complicated topic that each person experiences differently, and talking to professionals individually or in a group about each unique situation can be an invaluable resource. It can help someone learn new ways of supporting their loved ones while also providing them with the support and understanding they need themselves. Learning about any type of addiction and how someone can effectively communicate with their loved one about their recovery and expectations can help maintain a healthy state of mind and a unified front focused on recovery.
Finding a Support Group
Support groups are a great way to avoid feeling judged or condemned for having a loved one who struggles with addiction. Talking with people experiencing similar life issues can help one not feel alone but instead feel educated, relieved, and empowered. In support groups, you can ask questions and share the problems you are dealing with, as well as any victories or progress. Examples of support groups include:
- Nar-Anon Family Groups
- Al-Anon and Alateen
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Families Anonymous
- PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones)
- CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous)
Addiction recovery can be an intense and emotional journey for everyone involved. Getting help for oneself can be an essential part of learning to balance the stresses of one’s life with learning to become effective support. Having a safe space to cope with the stressful situation of being support can help someone learn more about addiction recovery difficulties. However, each person needs to feel able to take care of themselves just as much as they want to care for a loved one. Finding one’s outlets for emotional expression or self-care is part of the process of being effective support. Not only is it modeling needed and impactful behavior, but it is also someone taking agency over the situation to help maintain a significant relationship through the recovery process.
Recovery is a difficult time for all involved, and healing can be a stressful experience. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction and are ready to take the first step towards your sobriety today, START UP RECOVERY can provide a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere for you to begin your journey. Each person’s stay can be personalized to help each person in an individualized way by utilizing a supportive community of peers, professionals, and mentors. This communal approach allows each person to learn more about themselves and their own goals while also instilling necessary coping mechanisms and life skills to set each person up for success in their recovery and beyond. If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction or any of the stresses involved or would like to speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation and concerns, call us today at (310) 773-3809.