When someone is working through a drug or alcohol addiction, as a family member or loved one, you might not know what to say or how to support them. But words can go a very long way in helping them feel less alone and more supported in their addiction recovery, contributing to their overall growth and well being.Â
Here are 7 things you can say to someone struggling with addiction.Â
7 Things To Say To Someone Struggling with Drug or Alcohol Addiction
1. I’m proud of you.
Making the decision to enter an addiction treatment center program for drug abuse or alcohol addiction is a huge step. It might even be one of the most difficult things that person has ever done in their life. Let them know how proud of them you are and recognize this is a major event for them.Â
2. I’m here for you.Â
By letting them know you are there for them, you are also showing you can listen and are thinking of them during their recovery efforts. Sometimes people in rehab just need to talk about their day and what they are feeling but don’t necessarily need advice. Simply telling a loved one you are there for them during this difficult time can go a long way.Â
3. How can I help?
It might not always seem clear what your loved one needs during their fight for sobriety, especially in the first few months of rehab or after completing a rehab program. Asking how you can support them takes the guesswork out of how you can help and gives them the opportunity to share their needs directly.Â
4. I love you.
These three words go a tremendously long way in helping someone feel less alone during their road to recovery.Â
5. Let’s go hang out.Â
Not every person working through addiction will feel comfortable initiating things to do together. This is especially true if they are new to recovery or have just completed an addiction treatment program and are still learning new sober hobbies that they enjoy.Â
It might help if when asking them to hang out, you also offer a few suggestions such as going for a run, going out to eat at a favorite restaurant, or going to see a movie.Â
6. How are you feeling?Â
Asking how they are feeling is a good way to check in with them emotionally and if they feel like sharing, they will. If not, that’s okay, too. Either way, it lets them know you care.Â
7. I believe in you.Â
This statement might help them to feel empowered. Overcoming drug addiction can be very challenging, with some days feeling more difficult than others. Letting them know you believe in them can remind them to keep going.
Additional Considerations
While it’s wonderful to be there emotionally for someone you care about who is working through an addiction, it’s important to also set your own healthy boundaries, honor your own feelings, and protect your mental health.Â
Their addiction and recovery journey is not your responsibility. That is the job of the addiction specialists at a rehab facility. If at any point in the relationship you feel you need space, you are entitled to distance yourself and have no obligation to support them.Â
If you feel like you’re having a difficult time setting boundaries or protecting your own feelings, it could be beneficial to speak with a licensed psychologist.Â
Addiction Treatment Options
There are several substance use disorder treatment options available that are known for being effective forms of long-term treatment. Whether you or a loved one have an alcohol addiction or drug addiction, treatment programs include:
- Medical Detox
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Residential Treatment
- Aftercare for continued recovery support after addiction treatment
Each of the above treatment programs is individually designed based on the needs of the individual and their specific addiction.Â
Start Treatment Today at Malibu Detox
At Malibu Detox, our substance abuse treatments serve as a catalyst to help you overcome your addiction and reach the long-term sobriety you need. We accept most major and private insurance plans and work with you to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.Â
Additional Addiction Therapy and Treatment Options
In addition to CBT and DBT, there are several other therapies and treatments that we utilize at Malibu Detox to further enhance the effectiveness of these treatments. They include:
- Medical Detox
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
- Art Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
Each of the above substance abuse therapies is customized based on each client’s individual needs.Â
Start Addiction Treatment Today at Malibu Detox
At Malibu Detox, our substance abuse treatments serve as a catalyst to help you overcome your addiction and reach the long-term sobriety you need. We accept most major and private insurance plans and work with you to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
