Whether your partner has been a person with addiction problems or has been struggling to ground their mental health, getting adequate treatment is pivotal. As much as you would want to hold them close and tell they everything’s alright, there will be times when reassurance might only do so much. It is during such moments when seeking professional help can turn the tables for good.
By enrolling your partner in programs at Real Recovery and similar centers, you can ensure that they get the support, assistance, and treatment needed to tackle their situation best. These centers are equipped with resources and expertise that help them understand the core reasons for the problem and work their way to complete recovery. However, it is still essential that you offer genuine support and love to them as they transition to a clean life.
Here are some effective ways to support your partner without jeopardizing your needs:
1. Be encouraging and supportive
Addiction issues can erode a relationship in unimaginable ways, making it challenging to keep the hope of finding the spark again. However, as your partner makes an effort to become their best self again, it is crucial that you do not bring out buried issues again.
Your partner may seem receptive to what you are saying, but bringing up old conflicts will only discourage their efforts while hampering the efforts they have been putting in. Instead, find better and more positive ways to express your concerns.
2. Take care of your well-being
Living with a person with addiction changes how a person usually functions. The complete focus could shift to taking care of your partner, avoiding conflicts, or even avoiding any potential triggers to keep peace intact.
As they undergo treatment, you should shift your focus from surviving to living. This can include creating a self-care routine, picking up a long-forgotten hobby, or trying something new. When you start caring for yourself, there will be less time to devour old grudges and more things to tell your partner about.
It’s a win-win situation as it allows you to try something new while reconnecting with your partner on a different level, sharing what you have learned and your future goals.
3. Learn more about the problem
Learning about your partner’s addiction problem can help you develop a better understanding of their recovery journey. As a result, you can offer open, honest, and transparent support. Additionally, as your partner undergoes recovery, looking into yourself to assess areas that need to be improved will help you become a better partner.
Having a supportive partner during recovery magnifies the sense of achievement one feels, and it can significantly improve one's progress. Aside from these factors, learning about addiction will strengthen your bond as you will be able to understand your partner beyond the experiences they have shared with you, fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
4. Disengaging with people who don’t support
It is essential to acknowledge and accept that not everyone in your network will be respectful towards the journey your partner is making. While they may try to offer support and wisdom, drawing clear boundaries will prevent judgemental conversations from coming your way.
By disengaging with people who do not respect the recovery process, you reduce exposure to discouragement, protect your partner from humiliation, and establish commitment toward their journey.
5. Becoming part of support groups
There will be times when you are likely to feel alone and fighting an endless battle. That’s where being part of a support group can be tremendously helpful. These groups are specially designed to keep people supporting a loved one during recovery afloat by providing resources, encouraging their willpower, and teaching them practical coping skills.
Bottomline
Offering support can sometimes be exhausting, and there will be times when your patience will run thin. However, it is crucial to understand that your partner needs your encouragement and motivation to recover faster. At the same time, it is essential that you are attending to your personal needs and not neglecting self-care. Joining groups and communities will also allow you to stay positive and believe in the process.
