5 Ways to Help a Family Member Through Detox

Watching a loved one succumb to drug or alcohol addiction can be devastating to a family. Parents, siblings, extended family and even very close friends feel helpless as they watch their loved one self destruct. While you may feel that there is nothing you can do to stop them, you actually have more influence that you think. Getting them to agree to detox may take some doing, but here are 5 ways that you can help your family member through detox.

1. Become Educated About their Substance Abuse

If you understand their addiction, it is easier to help them. Trying to manipulate your loved one into stopping their drug and alcohol use will not work and neither will giving them ultimatums. If you educate yourself about their substance abuse you will understand why detox and treatment are necessary.

2. Build Trust

If the family member abusing drugs and alcohol has broken the trust within the family, it may be difficult to extend trust to them, but trying to establish a trusting connection may be the key to getting them to seek help for their addiction. It is important to understand that being in a relationship – whether it is a parent, spouse or sibling who has a drug and/or alcohol addiction will be stressful and nerve wrecking. It may be necessary for the family members to also seek some form of therapeutic group or resources.

3. Participate in their Treatment

There is a benefit in participating in the addiction treatment of your loved one. If your loved one needs detox, it is important that you seek a detox facility that encourages communication between the patient and family members throughout the process. The more the family can participate in their loved one’s treatment the more capable they will be to help in relapse prevention.

4. Be Supportive

For the family member struggling with addiction it is important that they know they have the support of their family. Once your loved one has completed detox, the recovery does not end there. When your loved one returns home, they will need support to help them resist temptation. Family support and encouragement throughout the recovery time is important to a successful sobriety. Things will be difficult at times, but learning to deal with the difficulties and to be patient and supportive will go a long way as you try to help your loved one overcome their substance abuse.

5. Relapse May Happen

Relapse is a possibility with your loved one. Addiction recovery is an ongoing process, whether your loved one chose to attend meetings or chose an alte
ative method for recovery treatment, staying sober is a conscious choice. Watching your loved one have a set back or relapse can be difficult, but you need to have patience and support them.