The word ‘Rehab’ brings out conflicting emotions. It is a sign of hope for many but also carries a sad and scary notion. People suffer from a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological upheavals throughout their life. Some become a victim of oppression, while others become the slaves of immature and bad decisions. It is heartbreaking to see the life of your loved ones deteriorate in front of you.
Rehabilitation is associated with enormous stigma. The very notion of a rehabilitation facility is overwhelming for the suffering addicts and families. No one wants to check into such a medical facility, even when substance abuse can slowly diminish the life out of an individual. Checking into rehab would mean leaving the comfort and escapism that alcohol, heroin, opium, and other drugs provide. The overwhelming fear that grips the addicts is enough to make them cringe away from help when they are not in a drug-laden haze.
Achieving sobriety and giving up drugs is a lengthy excruciating struggle for the addict. It demands starting life anew, away from family, friends, and ease of old habits. If your loved ones are going through a similar phase, then you know medical help is essential despite the resistance from the addicted individual.
Rehab is the only way to ensure and prevent relapse episodes. However, it may not provide a permanent solution but, it is a step in the right direction. Rehabilitation offers a way to detoxify the mind, body, and soul. Institutes such as the Delphi Behavioral Health Group provide excellent rehabilitation facilities to seek help for yourself or your family.
Battling drug addiction is no less than being thrown in front of a pack of wolves without any means of defense. Addicts often prefer giving up on their life, rather than enduring the pain of withdrawal. You must support and visit your loved one if they have finally braved the decision and checked into rehab.
Visiting your kin at rehab is an overwhelming process- not only for the individual receiving the treatment but for the family members as well. Both the parties’ trend on thin ice, slight negligence on either of the sides may halt any development or progress. They need all the support and motivation from you to valiantly plow through such a difficult phase.
Keep on reading for a few vital tips you need to keep in mind when visiting family in rehab.
1. Don’t comment on their physique
Physical appearance will be the first thing you’ll notice about the individual that you are visiting. They may look worn, disheveled, or disoriented. Changes in their routine and eating habits may cause them to lose or gain weight. Don’t expect to see a glowing complexion and rosy cheeks during the first few visits.
They are still adapting and adjusting to changes. Your commenting on their physical appearance will make them more ashamed and self-conscious. Keep your opinions away. Try an optimistic route if they mention their appearance themselves.
2. Don’t bring up money matters
It is no secret that rehabilitation treatments cost a lot of money. It could be one of the reasons why your loved one refused treatment in the first place. Don’t pressure them into improving by mentioning the amount that is spent on their treatment. It would make them guilty and insecure.
3. Do be punctual of visiting hours
Patients follow a strict routine at rehabs. It is an integral part of their recovery. Routine gives them a goal to complete daily activities and prevents listlessness and relapse into troubling thoughts. Therefore, be on time for them.
4. Do support them
Your loved one is in desperate need of emotional support during this difficult time. Joining a rehab wasn’t an easy decision. It required a lot of vulnerability and courage from them. Applaud their efforts for making it this far. Be appreciative of the little progress they make. Family support is imperative for their improvement.
5. Don’t bring in a negative atmosphere
It is an essential part of the recovery process. Addicts are already a victim of dark and negative thoughts, times and acts. Stay positive and steer clear from mentioning family issues, how you were angry and affected by their irresponsible behavior. Recounting stressful events for either party can cause anxiety.
6. Don’t pressurize them
Patients are consistently questioning and patronizing themselves for their wrong decisions, if they were trying enough or if they will ever be able to recover. These challenging times already burden their consciousness. There is no need to rehash their past mistakes and things that they should have done and can still do to improve quickly.
7. Do keep them motivated
They are bound to feel exhausted during the process. They may talk about their difficulties and question the feasibility of rehab. Keep them encouraged and remind them that they’ll slowly be able to overcome the obstacles.
8. Do keep the talks simple
Don’t bring up emotions and feelings often. It is better to talk about the weather and global events, music, and art. Keep the conversation light and uplifting. Just enjoy being in each other’s company.
9. Do bring them some trinkets
Sharing something with them is a great idea. Bring them their favorite brownies or some homemade dish that they are missing. This gesture brings them a ton of happiness.
Educate yourself and capitalize your time with your loved ones
It is a long journey of self-discovery that your loved one has embarked on. Be a part of the process by acquainting yourself with the staff and the treatment procedures. Indulge in celebrations and events for the patients in rehab and make this arduous journey easy for them.