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Ways to Help Your Partner in Recovery

Have a partner in recovery?

Dealing with addiction can be challenging, especially when your partner is in recovery. Although it might be both scary and confusing, it’s important you’re there for them to offer the support they need as they begin a new life of sobriety.

Unsure of ways you can help people struggling with addiction without sacrificing your mental health in the process? Read on now and check out the information you need to help your loved one deal with a substance use issue.

Don’t Be Judgmental

It can be challenging to refrain from judging a person’s actions and decisions when they’re struggling with addiction. Even though it’s hard, the last thing you should do is pass judgment on your partner, because they’re already feeling shame and guilt for the things they’ve done.

The last thing you want to do is compound these feelings by judging them. Instead, set your judgments aside and always be open to listening to the things they wish to share with you.

Let your partner know you’re there for them, no matter what, and will do what you can to help them. Addiction is a disease and should be treated as such.

Research Different Treatment Options

Most people will need the help of professionals to learn the tools they need to stop using. If your partner has come to you and expressed their difficulty with addiction, talk to them about treatment options.

Research possible facilities and the types of addictions they treat. We also recommend taking some time to determine which forms of payment the facility accepts and then contact your insurance.

Most insurance plans cover a portion of treatment and can help you cover the cost of getting your partner the help they need. Another reason to explore treatment options together is that it further shows you’re serious about helping your partner in their recovery.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for someone to change their mind about seeking treatment, but if this happens, continue to show and voice your support.

Set Boundaries

If there are no boundaries in place, your partner won’t understand the consequences of continuing to abuse substances. You should sit down together and discuss what you expect from each other.

You should know your boundaries and what you won’t tolerate moving forward. Creating a plan and outlining boundaries can help reduce pain and further conflict in the future.

There will be times where you have to continue communicating your boundaries, but if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t be there for your partner when they’re struggling to remain sober.

Know Their Triggers

Having relationships with people struggling with addiction can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re unsure of the things that trigger them. When a person enters treatment, they spend a significant amount of time identifying their triggers and creating a plan to cope with them if they should arise.

As their partner, you need to know what triggers them, even if one of the triggers is you. If you both know what their triggers are, you can help them take steps to avoid them.

You can also help them recognize a possible trigger and think of a way to cope with it before it leads them to use. For example, if being around certain family members triggers your partner, the solution is to reduce the chances of being around those specific people.

It’s not uncommon for people struggling with addiction to be triggered when dealing with family and friends that don’t believe they will change. This doubt triggers their own self-doubt and makes them question the decisions they’re making.

You never want to put your partner in a situation to fail; therefore, knowing and avoiding their triggers can be very helpful.

Suggest Different Activities

When your partner decides to stop using, they will have more time on their hands that needs to be filled. Suggest different activities you and your partner can participate in.

There are tons of things you can do that don’t involve drugs or alcohol; it just takes some creativity and a little bit of research on your end. Together, you and your partner can create a list of activities you’ve always wanted to try and slowly cross them off the list.

It’s best if you find activities that you enjoy, because your partner will begin to feel like a burden on you if you’re not enjoying the activities. Part of being a supportive partner is making changes to your daily life and activities to support their long-term sobriety.

Don’t Take it Personally

The withdrawal process can be a crazy time for you and your partner as they will begin to experience a variety of feelings. During this time, they could lash out at you even if you’ve done nothing wrong to them.

Don’t take it personally; it’s not your fault; it’s the disease talking. Taking things personally and holding on to resentment will make it hard to offer the support they need as they continue through treatment.

If you find you’re not able to shake things off, you could benefit from seeking counseling to help you learn some ways to cope without internalizing the actions and words of your partner.

Having a Partner in Recovery

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person that’s using. It affects everyone, including their partners. When you have a partner in recovery, there are several ways you can support them at each stage.

Remember to take care of yourself and don’t take things they say personally. We understand that seeking the right treatment center is crucial for supporting your partner.

Look no further; get help from Cenikor today.

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