
How To Support Your Spouse in Addiction Recovery
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Mandy Sandhu
12 Mar 2015
When you have a spouse struggling with alcoholism, it can be quite an emotional roller coaster. However, Toronto drug and alcohol rehab is an ideal step in the right direction, but addiction recovery is not an easy task and it takes time. In order to help your partner fight the battle of addiction successfully, you need to provide reliable support, love and care. But, often people question that how can they support their husband or wife in addiction recovery. Our alcohol rehab experts provide you 5 helps on how to offer this support.
Let them Work their Program
First of all you need to understand the situation of your partner and let him/her put their sobriety first in their life. Some spouses often feel left out when they find their partners going to meetings and making new friends. Do not do this! Recovery is a process and it must come first. So, let them work their program and support them as much as you can. Try not to be too involved. This can have a negative impact. Don’t force your spouse to share their program and what they discussed in the meeting. Just encourage them as they work their program.
Take Care of Yourself
We understand that you might get hurt with a loved one’s substance abuse. There are Toronto alcohol and drug rehab homes that offer help to families by providing workshops and therapies to make them feel good and relaxed. As your loved one works their program, you too need to take care of yourself. Avoid involving yourself in unnecessary fights and creating boundaries.
Build on Common Ground
You need to build trust back and heal those deep wounds. Find activities that you and your spouse both enjoy. Plan a night out each week or go for dinner or coffee. If you have children, plan an activity with them, it can help with the adjustments that come with addiction recovery. This way, you can heal past wounds and struggles, and head towards a happy and healthy life.
Don’t take it Personally
During the recovery program, you will learn how to handle your own emotions. You will surely face difficulties along with your partner but, you need to stay calm and understand the situation. The things will change, your relation will change, you have to understand the nature of addiction. Try to support them and encourage them to get the proper help they need.
Patience is the Key
Just because your spouse is trying to get over his/her addiction, you can’t expect them to become the person you were hoping they would be. It can take time and you need to be patient till then. It might be a process for them to live up to your expectations. It can be frustrating sometimes, but try to understand their situation and maintain healthy relationships.
Addiction recovery is full of challenges, stay calm and help your spouse achieve sobriety. For addiction recovery programs, you can rely on Freedom from Addiction. We help addicts in getting over their addiction and live a healthy and happy life.