In treatment, your loved one will learn how to stay sober, avoid triggers, and completely change his or her drinking and drug-using lifestyle. Detox and treatment are hard and recovery is a lifelong process with challenges to avoid relapse. Staying sober is a huge commitment and takes a lot of determination, encouragement, and support from family and friends.
While in treatment, therapists and counselors will help develop strategies on how to avoid temptations to drink alcohol or use drugs. One rule is that your loved one needs to avoid anyone who is associated with his or her drug or alcohol use. If there are situations that make it impossible to stay away from these people, at least limit time spent around them.
In treatment, there will be opportunities to form new relationships with sober people. New friendships can develop in treatment or group therapy where other people are learning to live substance-free. Talking to people who are going through similar experiences is a great way to build relationships. New, sober friends are also a great support network for encouragement during difficult times in recovery.
The friends who still drink or use drugs are not making any changes to their own lives. Recovery from addiction is hard, and the urge to use drugs or alcohol can be overwhelming. Friends who are not sober can easily add to the temptation to use and unintentionally influence a relapse.
Friends who drink and use drugs might not be supportive of the treatment program. They will not encourage sobriety because they are not sober. They are addicted and will not be supportive of lifestyle changes. Old friends will not talk about the deadly implications of alcohol and drugs and certainly will not say that drinking and using drugs ruined your life. They may not see themselves as having addiction problems.
The recovery process is not easy. Challenges with the temptation will always be around and relapse can happen at any time. Avoiding non-sober friends will lessen the risk of relapse. Loved ones who abuse drugs or alcohol should not visit you in treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder, get help now. Do not wait another day. Treatment is available and recovery is possible.
“If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204