1. Addiction is a Disease of the Brain
There is a difference between someone who chooses to have a drink or use a drug and one who is addicted to it. When someone is addicted, any trigger (people, places, or things) can create and intensify the urge to use the drug. People also experience intense cravings to take alcohol or use the drug. Others may have withdrawal symptoms like trembling fingers or sweating which resolve after they consume alcohol. Rehabilitation is recommended for people struggling with addiction because it provides holistic treatment.
2. Relapse is Possible Even After Treatment
Many family members hope their loved ones fully recover after rehabilitation. However, they eventually realize that recovering addicts can relapse and they may be readmitted several times before fully recovering. You see, rehab is a controlled environment. In most cases, there no drugs available, cravings are managed effectively, detoxification is done, people start therapy to address underlying problems, and they consume a lot of recovery-oriented content including psychoeducation and recovery films/videos.
When people leave the rehabilitation centers, they are confronted by the reality of their disease. Now they have to put the things they learnt into practice. Avoiding people, places, and things could mean changing the friendships they had and moving to a new place, which in reality, may not be the easiest thing to do. Some may not even have the means or support to make these changes, which makes it much harder. These hardships could create a sense of helplessness and cause people to abandon their recovery attempts.
Studies reveal that over 60% of people recovering from addiction relapse within 12 months (Mao et al., 2024)
It is important to be patient and supportive with your loved one to enhance their chances of sustained sobriety. Encourage them to keep attending AA meetings and apply the things they learnt in rehab. Caregivers should be duly informed about this risk during family therapy sessions.
3. Take Care of Yourself Too
Sometimes caregivers may experience emotional and physical burnout. You are constantly worried about your loved one wondering what they will do next. Some people may struggle with shame or guilt associated with the actions of their loved ones. In extreme cases, this may lead to withdrawal, which makes it difficult for others to support them. Over time, caregivers may start getting migraines, ulcers, high blood pressure, and other diseases related to chronic stress. Therefore, it is important that caregivers prioritize their own self care, which should address different aspects of their lives (physical, social, psychological).
It Is Okay to Not Be Okay
There are times when you may feel defeated. You have tried everything you can to help your loved one, but you are not getting the desired results. Every time they relapse it hurts even more. You may question yourself, wondering why it is your loved one that has to suffer from this disease. You tell yourself, “I have to be strong.” But the reality is that you cannot always be the strong one in the room. It is okay to check in with yourself as well. How are you feeling? What support do you need? Who can provide this support? How can you take care of yourself to avoid getting into a crisis? It is okay to cry, it is okay to feel sad, and it is even okay to take time to yourself to process everything you have been going through.
5. Therapy Can Help You Cope Better
In some cases, caregivers may lack proper avenues to cope with the challenges associated with caring for a loved one with an addiction problem. Some may not be able to talk to their friends or family members about what they are going through. Therapy provides an avenue for stress relief, learning effective ways of caring for your loved ones and yourself, resolving guilt and shame (if present), and experiencing emotional support in a safe and confidential space.
Reach out today if you are struggling to cope with your loved one’s addiction. You do not have to go through this alone.