How to Support a Loved One Who Comes Home After Rehab

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Returning home after a stay at a North Carolina rehab center can be intimidating. However, recovering addicts who have a strong support system and healthy home environment are likely to do well after treatment. As the loved one of an addict, you may be wondering how to support a loved one who comes home after rehab to make their return as smooth as possible.

While you are not responsible for your loved one’s recovery, there are steps you can take to educate yourself, get your home ready, and show your support for someone who is recovering from addiction. If your loved one is coming home from rehab, here are some things you can do to support them on their recovery journey.

Educate Yourself on the Addiction and Recovery Process

The first step towards helping someone who has struggled with addiction is education. You can’t help someone if you don’t have any awareness about the addiction and recovery process.

Some key points to remember include:

• Addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit; not a moral failing
• Recovery is often a continuous, life-long journey
• Relapse is relatively common among people in recovery
• Support groups can help your loved one stay sober

There is no way to educate you fully on addiction and recovery quickly, however, there are Al-Anon groups all across North Carolina where you can go to get educated. Al-Anon is a spin-off from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is for family members and loved ones of alcoholics.

Al-Anon features people who have experience supporting someone who struggles with addiction. Here, you can learn about addiction and recovery, get advice from people who know what you are going through, and find a source of support for yourself.

Another great way to get educated is to ask your loved one if their treatment center offers family therapy or a family support program. These types of programs will allow you to work directly with a therapist and your addicted loved one to learn specific ways to support them and their recovery.

Prepare the House for Your Loved One to Come Home From Rehab

If you are looking to get ready to support your loved one who comes home after rehab, it’s a good idea to get the house ready. First and foremost, you should remove or secure all mood-or-mind altering substances and all forms of alcohol. You should also lock away any prescription pills. This will help remove direct temptation from the home.

You may want to go through your loved one’s room to make sure they haven’t left behind any paraphernalia that could trigger thoughts of drug use. The goal is to make their living environment not only drug-and-alcohol-free but also supportive and safe.

Be Patient – Recovery Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Despite what you may have been taught, the vast majority of people don’t get addicted after just one night – and most certainly don’t get addicted after just one high. A similar idea can be applied to recovery – it doesn’t happen overnight.

In many cases, recovery is a life-long process that has its highs and its lows. In early recovery, in particular, your loved one may face a number of challenging obstacles that they struggle to overcome. As sober support, it is your job to be there to listen, lend support, and be patient.

Remember, addiction is a disease that affects both the mind and the body. And, healing from addiction can be a long, slow process. One of the best gifts you can give your loved one who comes home from rehab is the gift of patience.

Ask Your Loved One How You Can Support Them After Rehab

Communication is the key to a healthy and supportive relationship. Don’t be afraid to communicate and reach out to your loved one to ask them how you can support them when they come home after rehab.

They may not have any suggestions other than to simply be there to support them or to attend an AA meeting with them, however, this shows that you care and is an offer that will mean a lot to your recovering loved one.

Find Help for an Addicted Loved One Today

Whether your loved one is suffering from addiction or they are in recovery and are preparing to come home after rehab, our team at Carolina Center for Recovery is here to help. As a family-owned and operated treatment facility, we value family involvement in the recovery process.

We make it a priority to support our clients and families throughout their loved one’s program and beyond. Our purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment for families to gain a new understanding of themselves, how addiction affects them, and how they can support their loved ones in healthy ways. We would like to invite and encourage you as a family member or loved one to participate in our virtual family groups.

To learn more about our family programs or to get your loved one enrolled in a North Carolina addiction treatment program, pick up the phone and call today.