Addiction is a difficult thing to overcome. For many people, it feels like they are battling their own demons 24/7. This can be an incredibly challenging road to travel, and it is important that you support your sister every step of the way. This article will discuss some ways that you can support your sister on her road to overcoming addiction.
Check Her Into Rehab
The smartest thing you can do for her is to get her into a safe place where she will detox properly and recover from her struggles. The medical workers at New Directions For Women know that supervised help is essential in these situations because patients won’t be allowed to go anywhere near any substance. A rehab facility provides the most effective way of beating addiction.
Have a long conversation with your sister and convince her that this is the right step to take. Checking her into rehab can be a difficult decision, but if you know it’s what’s best for her, don’t hesitate to do it. It may be tough love, but sometimes that’s what brothers and sisters need.
Provide Emotional Support
It’s essential that you showcase emotional support during her recovery, and after it as well. Addiction is an emotional roller coaster, and she will need someone to be there for her. You can do this by simply being present, and listening to her when she needs to talk. Avoid providing judgment, and instead, offer compassion. This will go a long way in helping her overcome addiction.
For example, if she is going through withdrawal, offer to be with her and help her through it. Withdrawal can be an incredibly difficult process, both physically and emotionally. Having someone there to support her can make a world of difference.
Learn About Addiction
There are a lot of important facts about addiction that you need to be aware of if you want to help your struggling sister. These are the following:
- It’s a disease
- It changes the brain
- It’s a chronic and relapsing condition
- It requires treatment
- There are effective treatments available
If you want to learn more about addiction and how to help your sister, there are many resources available. The first step is to educate yourself about the disease. Once you understand addiction, you’ll be in a better position to help your sister overcome her addiction.
Run Errands For Her
In order to help them focus on their recovery, you should take over running errands for your sister while she is in addiction treatment. This includes tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and taking care of any pets they may have. You may also need to help with bill paying and other financial responsibilities.
Taking on these chores will free up your sister’s time so she can focus on her recovery. It will also provide her with a much-needed sense of support and love during this difficult time.
Help Her Make Amends
A huge part of addiction recovery is making amends to the people they have hurt. It’s difficult, but it’s so important. If you have a sister who is struggling with addiction, helping her make amends can be a really great way to support her.
Making amends is all about taking responsibility for our actions and trying to make things right. It’s not about making excuses or justifying our behavior. It’s about admitting that we’ve done wrong and doing what we can to make it right.
For your sister, this process will likely be very difficult and emotional. But it can also be incredibly healing and liberating.
Don’t Let Her Slip
As was already mentioned, relapse is a real and present option at all times, so you always have to be on the lookout for the signs that your sister is starting to slip. The most important thing you can do is not let her slip.
Talk to her often and pay attention to her behavior. If you see any changes, no matter how small, talk to her about them. It’s better to catch a problem early on than to wait until it’s too late.
Help Her Find the Right Environment
A major reason why people tend to fall into an addiction or relapse and go back into one is usually based on the environment they’re in. This includes the people they’re surrounded by in the environment, and how chaotic, unhealthy, and how stressful it is. It’s hard to fight off an addiction if you’re stuck in a bad environment. That’s why you have to look out for a safe environment to fight this addiction. Maybe look into a dual diagnosis treatment center. As these are safe environments to help those battle their addiction, with positive reinforcement.
Guide Her To Restart Life
Restarting life after addiction can be a difficult and overwhelming process, but it is possible with the right support. For example, helping them find a job and reconnect with old friends can be key to success. You can also encourage them to get involved in sober activities and hobbies. Showing your support and understanding throughout the process can make a big difference for your sister.
Addiction is never easy to overcome, which is why you should be there with your sister. Check her into rehab and support her emotionally throughout the process and after it. Make sure to get informed on her struggles and run errands whenever you can. Help her make amends to the people she hurt and never let her spiral back into her old ways. Finally, be there for her once she starts reentering the world. A helping hand is just what she needs!