How to Help a Recovering Alcoholic
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Recovering from an addiction is a lifelong process because staying sober takes commitment and determination. Addiction does not only impact the addict. In fact, the repercussions experienced by our family and friends are often even worse. Many loved ones believe that once the addict leaves the treatment facility, everything will rapidly improve. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Recovery is a lifelong process. Alcoholism is a disease that affects men, women, and children across the world. Alcohol addiction can occur in a person’s life regardless of background, ethnicity, or financial status.
Here at Legacy Healing Center, we want to explain how to help a recovering alcoholic. It can be tough and stressful, but let us show you how you can take action to help your recovering loved one realize that you are invested in their sobriety. We make the promise to help you and your loved ones receive the best care and treatment possible.
Be an Active Listener
Some recovering addicts need people to listen to them. If you are asking yourself how to support an alcoholic, suggest taking this action first. Be available to listen to your loved one’s victories and struggles. It takes a lot of mental strength to overcome what they have, so show them you are present and actively listening to what they need to let off their chest.
People in recovery have a lot of physical, mental, and emotional processing to do. Because sober alcoholics have so much on their plate, it can be helpful to have a person who is there to simply listen. Family therapy sessions can be extremely useful. Check out the support for families of addicts that we provide here at Legacy Healing.
Create a Sober Environment
One of the biggest predictors of long-term recovery is whether or not users live in an alcohol-free environment. Loved ones can protect a recovering alcoholic’s surroundings by removing any alcohol-related items and encouraging them to stay away from places that might lead them into temptation and cause a relapse.
Take Part in Stress-Free and Healthy Activities
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is something that can play a huge role in helping a recovering alcoholic. Some substance-free activities that recovering alcoholics can do with their loved ones are:
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Exercising
- Meditation
- Cooking
- Playing Games
- Reading
Suggest Joining a Support Group
By suggesting joining a support group, recovering addicts can interact with other recovering addicts while receiving encouragement and mentorship. Encouraging a loved one to get involved in a peer support group is an important way of supporting his or her sobriety. Here at Legacy Healing, we offer an aftercare support program to ensure that your loved one receives proper care and support, even after completing treatment.
Keeping Sobriety Alive
Any one of our Legacy Healing Center locations has access to these essential programs that are the best way to help a recovering alcoholic. Alcoholic recovery is much easier when people have the support of friends and family members. If you support your loved one through recovery, they are much more likely to stay sober.
To learn more about our treatment options and how they can serve you, call one of our Legacy Healing intake specialists at 888-534-2295.