It’s important to remember to take care of yourself too.
Once your loved one is in treatment, the best thing you can do for them is offer them your continued support. Support them through the ups and downs that recovery holds, and encourage them to continue forward, even when there are roadblocks and hardships. Celebrate their victories, even the smallest ones. Be their ally in a time where they may not have very many left.
However, you should also take steps to make sure you are being cared for. Make sure you are not the be all end all resource for your loved one - make sure they are seeking out care and support from other people as well, like doctors, therapists, or counselors.
Take some time for yourself to recharge - get away for the weekend, or enjoy an afternoon with nothing planned. This is a great way to prevent burnout or exhaustion.
Finally, seek support for yourself too! Groups such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon offer community and support for people like you, who are caregivers for those in recovery. These groups can help you deal with the unique situations that caring for someone in recovery presents, and they can be sources of hope and healing. You can find the meeting closest to you here.
Nightcapjournal even offers free live online Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings! These meetings are helpful if you don’t feel you have the time to attend an in-person meeting, or if there is not one near you. To learn more and find a group that works for you, sign up today!
