How to Support a Loved One After Rehab
If you have a loved one who is battling addiction, you’re not alone. According to a Pew survey of U.S. adults, nearly 46 percent say they have a family member or close friend who is or has been addicted to drugs. Though you want the best for your family member, it can be challenging to know how to support them.
It’s a dramatic scene frequently repeated in television and movies—someone drives a loved one to a rehab center and says they’ll be back in a few months. However, real recovery doesn’t end when rehab does. Long-term success requires ongoing support. Here are a few ways you can help your loved one adjust after treatment.
1. Help Them Find Employment
Finding a job after rehab can be difficult, especially for those with a criminal record or a resume gap. If possible, connect them with someone who can offer work, even temporarily. If not, research job opportunities in fields where they have experience. While job hunting is their responsibility, guiding them toward the right direction can prevent boredom and depression—both major relapse triggers.
2. Encourage Healthy Social Activities
Idle time can lead to relapse if it results in reconnecting with unhealthy influences. Help them stay active by inviting them to family-friendly events, encouraging new hobbies, or suggesting alternative activities that don’t involve alcohol or drugs.
3. Be Mindful of Your Own Behavior
Many rehab programs encourage patients to abstain from legal substances like alcohol or tobacco. Even if your loved one insists they don’t mind, having these substances around can create temptation. Small lapses in discipline often lead to relapse, so consider making your environment as supportive as possible.
4. Learn to Recognize Relapse Warning Signs
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports a 40 to 60 percent relapse rate post-treatment. Warning signs include emotional changes, canceling social plans, neglecting job responsibilities, or falling back into old routines. If you notice these behaviors, remind your loved one of their support system, suggest healthy activities, and encourage continued treatment if needed.
5. Consider a Family Program
The Carter Treatment Center offers a family program designed to help patients and their loved ones heal together. Addiction impacts entire families, and therapy can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and provide guidance for ongoing support.
Need guidance on supporting a loved one after rehab? Contact us online or call (470) 613-8167. The Carter Treatment Center is here to help.
