What to Avoid When Your Loved One Returns Home from Rehab

Recovery can be extremely exciting for both you and your loved ones. However, it can also be very daunting, overwhelming and scary for everyone involved. Why? Well, because you’ve all been so used to a life full of addiction, anxiety and apprehension for a long period of time. You’ve then also been accustomed to a regimented schedule during your rehabilitation.

 

Doctors and nurses took responsibility, gave you medication and provided plenty of guidance. So, when you’re then released back into the world feeling as free as a bird, it can be hard to handle and everything can be too much, too soon. But, for your loved ones, it can also be especially difficult. They don’t know what to expect and they certainly don’t want to do anything to cause a relapse.

 

The newly sober individual will have received solid instructions and counselling prior to leaving rehab, so we’re going to focus on giving their loved ones some help. Therefore, here are some things to avoid when your loved one returns home…

 

Don’t rush them

 

The initial stage of recovery is when they are most vulnerable, and most professionals say that the first three months can be the most challenging. So, allow them to adapt back into their life at their own pace, and refrain from putting any pressure on them. It’s great to motivate, support and inspire them, but avoid pushing them into anything that could be too difficult.

 

Act differently around them

 

It’s important to be realistic, and providing them with support and warmth is going to do them the world of good. But, you should avoid tip-toeing around them and being fearful of making a mistake. After all, your loved one will be excited to regain control of their life, and this involves having the normal relationships with their family and friends back. They’ll want you to be your true self, so that’s exactly what you should be.

 

Don’t guess

 

When your loved one gets home from rehab, you shouldn’t just assume what you think they’ll need. Even if you think you know them like the back of your hand; recovery can be complex and they may need something different than you expect. So, the best thing to do is to just talk to them and ask them if they want you to be hands-on or to take a step back. Either way, respect their wishes.

 

Don’t get stuck in the past

 

It’s crucial that you don’t bring up any of the negative times from the past while your loved one is in recovery. We understand that it may be difficult to just forget what they’ve done while they were abusing drugs or alcohol, but you need to focus on the positives. They’ve addressed their issues, they’ve taken responsibility and gone to rehab and now they’re in recovery. This highlights the fact that they truly want to be a good friend, family member or partner again.