Other than being the shortest month of the year, February is best known for Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday filled with romantic gestures, lavish chocolates and dinner reservations. But for your loved one currently in addiction treatment, the holiday can trigger painful emotions and memories.
Valentine’s Day at its core is about celebrating the meaningful connections in your life. You know that your loved one is working hard to reach recovery. And the holiday might have you thinking about ways you can support them. After all, when your loved one is in addiction treatment, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside looking in.
But you have the power to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. If you’re wondering how you can support a recovering addict in treatment, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover some thoughtful ways you can show love for your loved one in addiction treatment.
7 Ways to Support a Recovering Addict in Treatment on Valentine’s Day
1. Be Available
For your loved one in recovery, it’s natural for them to want to reach out during Valentine’s Day. After all, it’s a holiday about close relationships. During this difficult time for your loved one, the simple act of being available to talk with them can do wonders.
Think back to a Valentine’s Day you spent alone. That isolating feeling you might have had is exactly what your loved one could be going through. So, if the phone rings, show your love by taking some time to answer.
2. Focus on the Person, Not the Disease
In the early stages of recovery, your loved one’s addiction can seem like an overwhelming obstacle to them. As a result, it can be hard for them to remember all the value their unique personality can bring. This is especially true on Valentine’s Day. What can you do? Well, remind them of what makes them unique. Keep them updated on their favorite hobbies, share memories and tell them how much they mean to you.
3. Patience Really is a Virtue
Your loved one has already taken one of the hardest steps in recovery: Going to treatment. One of the best ways to support a recovering addict on Valentine’s Day is to be patient. Remember that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. And instead of flowers, you’ll be giving your loved one the gift of peace of mind knowing they’ll have a loved one waiting for them when they’re out of treatment.
4. Send Them a Heartfelt Card
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a loving, considerate card. But instead of sending your loved one treats filled with sugar, why not get them something with more sentimental value.
If you’re having trouble thinking about what to write, a great place to start is writing a hopeful message. Remind them that they’re not alone and that they have the power to reach recovery. Plus, most inpatient addiction treatment centers will allow your loved one to receive a card.
5. Set Up Your Loved One with More Support
This Valentine’s Day, set up your loved one in recovery with someone special. By that, we mean finding other people that can join your loved one’s support system. Maybe there is a mutual friend, therapist or support group that you can connect them to.
But before you help your loved one build out their support system, it’s important to get their permission first. While surprises are popular on Valentine’s Day, it’s not something you want to do for someone in recovery.
6. Help Them Make Healthy Choices
There are plenty of Valentine’s Day deals on fitness, cooking and yoga classes. You can show your loved one your support by helping them with their holistic lifestyle for when they finish treatment. For some extra motivation, you can make the commitment to the same healthy lifestyle. After all, you have to be willing to improve yourself before expecting someone else to.
7. Don’t Give Up
It’s no surprise that addiction recovery is a long road for your loved one and those who support them. Tell your loved one that you’re here to support their journey for the long-term. This level of commitment on your end, can even inspire your loved one.
Supporting an addict in recovery means accepting ups and downs, as well as, setbacks. But that concept shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you. After all, it’s a natural part of many aspects of life. Your loved one’s recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Cleveland, Ohio
Once your loved one finishes their inpatient addiction treatment, they might need some extra support to transition back to their life. Silver Maple Recovery offers outpatient addiction treatment to help your loved one continue their path to lasting recovery.
With an evidence-based approach to treatment, we will get to know your loved one on a personal level to better understand their journey. From there, our staff, with an average of 25 years of local experience, can help your loved one regain what addiction has taken from them.
Our outpatient addiction treatment in Cleveland is flexible to provide your loved one ongoing support as they continue to work and maintain their daily life.
Hope Begins at Our Addiction Treatment Center in Cleveland, Ohio
If your loved is ready to take the next step in their recovery, contact our expert team today. We have professional caregivers ready to hear your story 24/7.
