Support for Supporters: Taking Care of Yourself While a Loved One Is in Treatment

A recent KFF poll on substance use in America found that two-thirds of adults have been impacted by addiction, either personally or within their family. Of those who have had a family member suffer from addiction, 27% said their own mental health was majorly affected as a result.

Addiction is a devastating disease that takes a toll not only on the person struggling, but on those who love them. As you learn how to support a loved one in rehab, you’re presented with a unique set of challenges that range from mental to relational and financial.

To maintain your own well-being while providing the best support possible, it is crucial to learn how to cope with a loved one in rehab. Because caring for a person dealing with a substance use disorder can be so consuming, it can be easy to neglect your own health. This can be especially dangerous if you already struggle with physical or mental health issues.

How does addiction affect loved ones? And how can you ensure you get the self-care and support you need while your loved one is in treatment?

How Addiction Affects Loved Ones

Addiction is a complex illness with lasting implications for every member of the family, says professors Laura Lander and Marilyn Byrne with clinician Janie Howsare. According to their Social Work in Public Health author manuscript, “Each family and each family member is uniquely affected by the individual using substances including, but not limited to, having unmet developmental needs, impaired attachment, economic hardship, legal problems, emotional distress, and sometimes violence.”

The writers noted that addicted parents are often incapable of fostering a healthy attachment with their children. Consequently, children with an insecure attachment are more vulnerable to stress and face potential difficulties like anxiety, depression, or failure to thrive.

Disruption of other important developmental rituals, roles, or routines in the home are also likely. A parent battling addiction may not be able to meet their child’s educational or social needs. This deficit can lead to learning and behavioral troubles at school, as well as poor communication or interpersonal skills.

Conversely, parents of teens who have a substance use disorder find themselves riding a roller coaster of emotions stemming from their child’s poor academic performance, erratic behavior, declining health, mental illness, or strained relationships.

You may catch your son or daughter stealing from you and fear for your family’s safety. Involvement in other criminal activity might drain the family’s financial resources. Accordingly, marital stress and divorce are an unfortunate reality.

Regardless of the scenario, if you are in a relationship with someone who battles addiction, it’s critical you make self-care for stress top priority.

Self-Care for Stressed-Out Caregivers

When caring for your hurting loved one, it is easy to lose track of your own needs. However, ignoring personal wellness has serious consequences, especially if you suffer from existing physical or mental health issues.

Adopting positive self-care habits is essential to your well-being and decreases the risk of caregiver burnout. The benefits of self-care are many: improved energy, increased resilience, mental and emotional clarity, and physical wellness, among others.

What does self-care for stress look like? Consider the following tips:

• Prioritize physical health by exercising, mindful eating, and getting enough sleep.
• Practice meditation or prayer to reduce stress and combat negative thoughts.
• Set aside regular time to recharge or engage in activities and hobbies you enjoy.
• Establish healthy personal boundaries around your time, energy, and resources.
• Build a strong support network of people who can assist you practically or emotionally.

As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Don’t wait until your cup is empty; be proactive about finding ways to replenish. It will bring balance to your life and increase your capacity to care for your loved one.

Support Options for Those Not in Recovery

While your loved one is going through rehab, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many options available if you need and want help navigating life with someone struggling with addiction.

While your loved one is experiencing the benefits of group therapy during treatment, you can do the same. By finding a support group, you can meet others in similar circumstances who understand and can relate. Even though you’re not the one in recovery, sharing what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also glean insight from what group members share and be a source of encouragement and empathy to others. Among the most trusted support groups are Al-Anon/Alateen, a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Another great resource is Family Week, a schedule of events specifically designed for family members and significant others of those receiving in-patient treatment at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare facilities. Loved ones are invited on campus to actively participate in the recovery process. This affords patients and those closest to them a safe space to engage in open communication while exploring family relational issues.

Additionally, intensive group workshops can provide you with resources and tools to equip and support you as you walk alongside your loved one during this difficult season. Our workshops at Rio Retreat at The Meadows take a deep dive into all kinds of topics: from trauma and grief to relationships and areas of personal growth. Both Mending Heartwounds and Survivors I can help you heal from the wounds and loss caused by emotional trauma. Healing Intimate Treason is specifically designed for partners of sex addicts who are hurting.

We Are Here to Help

As you experience firsthand how addiction affects loved ones, it is important you take care of yourself and prioritize your own needs. This may not be easy, but taking advantages of the resources available will help as you learn how to cope with a loved one in rehab.

At Rio Retreat Center, we have workshops that can empower and restore you. Our team is strongly committed to the emotional health and healing of spouses, partners, and families impacted by the consequences of negative patterns like addiction. No matter what issues you are dealing with, we can help you find the best workshop for wherever you are in your journey. Reach out today to take one step closer to regaining control of your life.