When your loved one commits to a life of sobriety, the early stages are the most crucial for support. While your loved one will always need support for their sober living, they need your help the most at the beginning. During the early stages of sobriety, it will be easier for your loved one to relapse. After all, they have just chosen to give up their substance(s) of choice. It is a brave and difficult choice for them to make, and with your support, you can help them reach their goal of lifelong sober living. To learn more about how you can provide your assistance, reach out to Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
1. Actively Listen To Your Loved One
Change is hard for anyone, especially when your loved one is choosing to become sober for life. One of the best ways to support them during the early stages is to listen to what they have to say actively. When they speak, please give them your full attention. If you cannot provide them your full attention, let them know when you can listen. Be present in conversations. Make sure you listen more than you speak. You never know if what they have to say can be the difference between them staying sober or relapsing.
2. Invite Them To Engage In Activities That Promote Sobriety
Sober living means sober activities. It can be challenging for those who have never suffered from substance addiction to understand what your loved one is going through. What they need during the early stages are sober activities and positive memories. All you need to do to show your support is to invite them to spend time with you. Cooking, grabbing a cup of coffee, watching a movie, or taking a walk are all simple, sober activities. You can laugh and create the memories your loved one needs to achieve their life of sobriety.
3. Never Make Assumptions
It is essential you do not make assumptions about your loved one during the early stages and moving forward. You can ask questions, but you cannot speak for them or assume they are relapsing. If your loved one has been quiet, they may need you to listen. They do not need to hear any negative assumptions. All they need is love and support as they work to achieve sobriety.
4. Be Patient & Positive
While it can be easier said than done, you need to be patient and positive. The journey to sober living is not always a pretty one. It will include many ups and downs. It is normal for loved ones to relapse during the early stages. No matter what, you need to be patient with the process and remain positive. Even when all the odds seem against you or your loved one, a smile can go a long one on their road to recovery.
Learn More About How To Help Your Loved One With Their Sobriety
Substance use and addiction can be challenging for your loved one to handle on their own. If you know they are suffering and are ready to make a change, we can help. Red Oak Recovery® offers numerous addiction treatment programs that can benefit your loved one on their road to sobriety:
- Men’s rehab program
- Addiction therapy services
- Family counseling
- Family therapy program
- Individual counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation
- 12 step addiction recovery
- Holistic healing
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Alcohol rehab program
- Heroin rehab program
Along with your support through the early stages and beyond, our treatment programs can help your loved one achieve a life of sobriety. Our clinically-focused treatments have helped numerous individuals gain control of their lives and make positive impacts. To learn about your loved one’s treatment options, reach out to Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
