How to support a loved one in rehab

We understand how difficult it is to see a loved one, friend or family member suffer from a drinking or drug problem. But when they finally get the help they need, you can be left with feelings of both relief and apprehension. Here’s how to support them on their journey to recovery, while making sure you get the support you need too.

How to choose the right rehab 

One of the first things you can do is help ensure your loved one gets the help they need is to carefully research the best rehabs for drug and alcohol addiction.

We encourage you to look for a program that: 

• Has a solid success rate (64% of people who complete our program are sober on the day that we call them, 12 months later) 
• Has a strong program of recovery (evidence shows programs that incorporate 12 Step Facilitation are most effective) 
• Has staff with lived experience who are understanding and can share their experience of overcoming addiction  
• Has a relapse prevention program
• Connects guests with a recovery community for ongoing support once they complete the program

How to support someone when they are in rehab 

Trust they are in good hands

If you’ve chosen a rehab with a good reputation that ticks all the boxes it can still be tough dropping a loved one off to begin their recovery program – especially if you have been the ones trying to take care of them. At The Sydney Retreat, guests will be safe, comfortable and surrounded by people who understand exactly what they are going through and can provide them with the support and tools they need to get well. 

Learn all you can about addiction 

Addicts and alcoholics are sick people, not bad people. Learning about addiction will give you a good understanding of what your loved one is going through and help you manage your expectations around their recovery. A good place to start is by watching Dr Stephen Jurd’s fascinating and informative talks on addiction and the brain. 

Get support yourself 

Addiction effects the whole family, which is why there are support groups and 12 Step programs especially for those who have been impacted by someone else’s drinking or drugging. Al-Anon Family Groups is a great source of support and has recovery meetings which are free to attend. 

Show up for family sessions 

We know that when the family is involved in recovery, the alcoholic or addict’s chances of achieving sobriety are increased. Every Sunday we have family group at The Sydney Retreat where families are invited to share lunch with us then attend an in-house meeting facilitated by Al-Anon Family Groups. 

Expect turbulence 

After a period of heavy or prolonged drinking or drugging, the transition to clean and sober living is not easy for anyone. The consequences of active addiction will have caused all manner of problems for both the individual and the family which will take time to overcome. There is also bound to be a lot of big emotions to navigate. Be patient and don’t expect too much too soon.  

How to support someone when they leave rehab 

It’s important to understand that there is no quick fix for alcoholism or addiction and there will be a long road to recovery ahead. 

While a residential program like the one we offer at The Sydney Retreat provides a solid foundation for a new life in recovery, it is merely a starting point. The goal of a program like ours is to introduce the individual to a solution and a set of tools which will help them continue to stay clean and sober once they return home. This includes educating them about the disease of alcoholism, teaching them the tools of the 12 Step program and connecting them with a recovery community. 

A residential rehab provides guests with structure and 24/7 support and allows them to focus entirely on getting well. The adjustment period when they return home can be challenging as they navigate work, family and commitments, and can be equally difficult for the family. While it is not your job to keep your loved one clean and sober, there are some things you can do to support them in the early weeks and months. 

• Create a supportive environment – this might mean removing alcohol from the home before they arrive and keeping things simple for the first little while  
• Don’t pressure them to attend social functions or events – this is something that will become easier in time, but be flexible and understanding if they don’t want to attend or need to leave early 
• Communicate openly – for someone in early recovery who has previously used drugs or alcohol to connect and communicate, don’t expect they are suddenly going to know how to do this – be patient and keep the lines of communication open 
• Respect their privacy – it might be hard to take a step back, but trust the process they are on – if you are worried, have a conversation with them but allow them space 
• Encourage them to attend 12 step meetings – this will likely become a regular and vital part of their life in recovery