Living with a Recovering Addict Dos and Donts

Eddie said their research suggests more needs to be done to keep people alive while the healing process works. Researchers say these hopeful findings are significant because they might inspire people to keep attempting recovery even after they endure multiple relapses. Studies also show racial bias makes it harder for Black and Hispanic Americans to find treatment. People in rural areas tend to have less access to health care.

• Codependency can also cause the non-addicted partner to unwittingly enable unhealthy behaviors, which may encourage substance use and addiction.
• Initially getting sober is an essential part of recovery, but it is only the beginning.
• It is also important to stay mindful of what you eat and drink.
• Your loved one might relapse several times before finding an effective treatment method that keeps them on track.

If your loved one has set out on a sober path, there are some specific actions you can take to show that you are invested in their sobriety. The most important step is to simply communicate that you will be there for them throughout their recovery journey. Receiving this reassurance can help set a strong foundation for their recovery, especially if they are newly sober.

Prioritize Your Relationship – Living With a Recovering Alcoholic

It’s important to note that people who live with a recovered alcoholic often feel pressured to make sure their loved one succeeds in sobriety. Try to remember that their recovery is not your responsibility. You may want to attend https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ an Al-Anon support group as a way to invest in your own healing process. This may seem easier said than done, especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything in your power to treat the disease in your loved one.

• It is important to address the issue, to take steps to help the individual who struggles with drinking, and to know when to leave for self-protection if necessary.
• Heavy drinking over long periods of time has serious consequences – it can cause permanent changes in your brain.
• Many different factors influence whether someone will relapse into addiction.
• Only when people know who they are and what they have to offer can they find a mate who is an appropriate match for their values, interests and goals.

Many different factors influence whether someone will relapse into addiction. Alcohol addiction causes an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA. This imbalance triggers depression and anxiety, among other things. After you stop drinking, your brain begins to normalize and returns to its natural state.

Integrated Treatment for Alcoholism & Co‑Occurring Disorders

You can also contact an addiction counselor, interventionist, or anyone you feel may be able to help prevent your loved one from returning to drug use. A dual-diagnosis treatment program can help patients struggling with both an alcohol abuse problem and another mental health issue (co-occurring disorders). There are several types of programs that address addiction and mood swings (including mood disorders and anxiety disorders). Some of these programs focus on one specific type of substance use, while others offer comprehensive care for multiple substances. In addition, some programs treat both conditions simultaneously. Despite our best efforts, there are times when a loved one will relapse.

Read on to learn how to overcome the challenges that can occur when living with a loved one with addiction, along with how to care for them — and yourself. The first goal is to understand addiction and its potential effects on your household and relationships. A therapist can help you learn new coping skills, develop new thinking patterns, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions that may make recovery more difficult. Other definitions, however, often focus on the process of recovery and developing coping mechanisms and habits that support health and wellness over the long term. Total abstinence may be the goal, but the reality is that setbacks are common.