Learning to live again after addiction
Recovering from a
drug or alcohol addiction is not a simple, short or straightforward process.
Many people believe that the toughest part of recovery for an addict are
the initial stages of abstinence where they may experience withdrawal
symptoms that can result in severe emotional and physical turmoil. Of
course this is a harrowing experience but the recovery process doesn't
end after that part eases. There are many models of the stages of
addiction recovery but all of them include early recovery and ongoing
recovery/maintaining abstinence. Early recovery is generally categorized
as the first 90 days of abstinence but once that time is up many
recovering addicts may be left feeling lost. Yes, they are doing well
but their life, their health and their relationships are all in need of
some serious rebuilding. It is in the ongoing recovery stage that a
former addict really starts to put the pieces of their life back
together again which can be a very challenging and sometimes painful
task – particularly when those around them may wrongly assume that the
hard part is already over with. Here are some tips on how to support an
addict in the later stages of their recovery.
Help build self esteem
Studies
show clear links between low self esteem and drug dependency in later
life. They also indicate that low self worth and a general lack of
respect or consideration for one's own body and well being can be a
major factor in relapse – even after the early stages of recovery. For
this reason it is important to encourage a recovering addict (who's self
esteem is probably at an all time low) to start to love and value
themselves. Simple things like positive reinforcement, reassurance,
compliments and displays of affection will help them to feel loved and
if they start to believe that they are worthy of the love of others then
it will enable them to love themselves too. Look out for any warning
signs of low
self esteem such as anxiety, withdrawal or irritability
around others and constantly reassure them that your presence and
support is permanent and unwavering.
Help them to get back into work
There
are many benefits of helping a recovering addict to get back into work
and the ongoing stages of recovery is the perfect time to start this.
Not only is a set routine a positive move away from the inconsistency
and chaos of an addicted lifestyle, but having a job with
responsibilities and independence is another great way to boost self
esteem, confidence and it will also keep them busy. On a more practical
level it will enable to addict to start taking control of their finances
again. One article by Forbes suggests that addiction and poverty are
intrinsically linked due to the nature of addiction – a compulsion that
constantly escalates meaning that the longer an addiction continues for
the more of a substance the addict will need to feel satisfied.
Therefore the cost will increase and in the meantime other areas of
their life may begin to dilapidate leading to expensive mistakes such as
job loss or criminal/legal charges. As they emerge from early recovery
into ongoing recovery, a steady job will give a recovering addict the
opportunity to start dealing with any creditors whilst building for the
future. Certain employers are even taking part in a new scheme that
offers incentives for employing recovering ex-addicts in order to give
them the opportunity to move forward with their lives. Look into any
such programmes in your area and encourage the addict to be confident
and positive – their history will not affect their ability to be a good
worker.
Be committed and considerate
Understand that if a
recovering addict lives with you may have to make some lifestyle
changes in order to help them through. If the addiction is related to
alcohol then you should never present immediate temptation to an addict
by drinking around them or even keeping alcohol in the house. Understand
that recovery is a commitment that will affect the whole family and
even though most addicts are reportedly unlikely to relapse after a five
year period of abstinence, you need to remain cautious and considerate
forever.
Help them by helping you
The most important
thing to a recovering addict is a strong support network. If this is you
then you need to take care of them by taking care of yourself. There
are many support groups for the families of recovering addicts where you
can go for advice and information on the best ways to handle such a
difficult situation. Make sure that the addict is aware of you seeking
help – this may make them more inclined to reach out themselves and
become involved in support groups or aftercare programmes.
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