Overcoming an addiction is difficult for the affiliated person, and as a spouse, you may wonder how you can help make recovery easier.
It’s vital to be as understanding and supportive as possible so your spouse can navigate the addiction recovery process as effectively and safely as possible. Things you can do to help your spouse include:
- Encouraging them to seek professional help.
- Developing a plan with them about changing their behavior and habits.
- Educating yourself on addiction to help make the best possible decisions for them.
This article will highlight the ways you can help your spouse overcome addiction and get on the track to recovery.
Be Supportive and Understanding
Being supportive and understanding is one of the most important things you can do to help your spouse overcome their addiction. Being supportive means actively listening to them, validating their feelings, and being there for them emotionally.
Here are a few ways to be supportive and understanding:
- Show empathy: try to put yourself in their shoes and understand what they are going through.
- Avoid criticizing or judging them: addiction is not a choice; it is a disease.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings.
- Help them identify their triggers: understanding what triggers their addiction can help them avoid those situations.
- Don’t blame them for their addiction: Remember that addiction is not a personal failing but an illness.
- Be patient: addiction recovery is a process that takes time. Be patient with your spouse as they work through it.
Remember that your support and understanding can make a big difference in your spouse’s addiction recovery. Watching someone you care about struggle with addiction can be difficult, but your support can help them feel less alone and more motivated to overcome it.
Do Not Enable Their Addiction
Enabling your spouse is detrimental to the addiction recovery process, even if it’s in the form of unconscious support.
Here are a few ways to avoid enabling your spouse’s addiction:
- Set clear boundaries: make it clear what kind of behavior is and is not acceptable in your relationship.
- Stick to your boundaries: if you have set a boundary and your spouse breaks it, don’t make excuses for them, and hold them accountable for their actions.
- Don’t provide them with money or other resources for their addiction: this can be difficult, but it is important not to support their addiction financially.
- Encourage them to take responsibility for their addiction: encourage your spouse to take responsibility for their addiction and to take the necessary steps to overcome it.
It’s essential to understand that enabling addiction only prolongs the problem and does not help the person struggling with addiction. It’s important to be firm yet supportive when setting boundaries and holding your spouse accountable for their actions.
Educate Yourself on Addiction
Educating yourself on addiction can help you better understand what your spouse is going through and how to support them effectively. Understanding the nature of addiction can help you be more patient and compassionate and help you identify red flags or warning signs that your spouse may be struggling.
Here are a few ways you can educate yourself about addiction:
- Read books, articles, or brochures about addiction and its effects.
- Look for online resources such as websites or forums for people affected by addiction.
- Attend support groups for families and loved ones of people with addiction.
- Seek the help of therapists, counselors, or addiction specialists.
It’s important to understand that addiction is a chronic illness that changes how the brain works and affects the whole person, not just their behavior. It’s a complex disease that requires specialized treatment and support. Learning as much as possible about addiction can help you understand your spouse’s challenges and how to support them in the best way possible.
Encourage Your Loved One to Seek Professional Help
Encouraging your spouse to seek professional help is crucial in helping them overcome their addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that requires specialized treatment and support from accredited addiction recovery centers.
Here are a few ways you can encourage your spouse to seek professional help:
- Research treatment options: look into different types of treatment programs and therapy, such as inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, and support groups.
- Talk to them about the benefits of professional help: explain how treatment can help them overcome their addiction, improve their overall well-being, and restore their relationships.
- Offer to accompany them to appointments: accompanying them to appointments can provide emotional support and help them feel more comfortable.
- Be persistent: addiction is a chronic illness, and sometimes it takes time for someone to be ready to seek help. Be patient and continue to encourage them to get help.
It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is a big step, and it’s essential to be supportive and non-judgmental. Encourage your spouse to take the first step and remind them that they are not alone in this journey and that you are there to support them.
Be Patient and Stay Consistent
It’s important to remember that addiction is a chronic illness, and recovery is a long-term process. Be patient and consistent in your support, even when the progress is slow, or setbacks occur. Maintaining realistic expectations is the best way to effectively support your spouse through the addiction recovery process.
Get Your Spouse the Help They Deserve at Ardu Recovery Center
Being there for your spouse as they’re overcoming addiction is one of the best ways to help them, but remember that addiction requires specialized treatment. Alongside your support and specialized programs and treatment options, there’s no limit to the progress your loved one can make.
Reach out to Ardu Recovery Center today if you’re ready to help your spouse rise up against their addiction. Our Provo, Utah facilities offer effective treatment options tailored to individual needs for a safe and positive recovery. Call us at 801-872-8480 or fill out our online form today to get in touch with an addiction specialist.
