The recovery process can be emotionally draining—and not just for the individual in recovery. Close friends and family members can also find the process to be taxing; simply trying to provide support to their loved one takes its toll, and leaves the family members in need of their own support structure.
Actually seeking that support is a challenge in its own right. To ask for help is to admit to struggling, something that many of us are reluctant to do. Admitting that we are having a hard time helping our loved one requires us to be vulnerable and raw, to allow other people to see us in weak moments.
This may not be easy, but it is necessary. Just as your loved one needs encouragement and support to pursue recovery, you need to recharge your own emotional batteries, drawing on the strength of others so that you can be strong for your family member.
To whom will you turn for support and encouragement though? Connecting with other people who know what you are going through—who have similar struggles in their own family—is key. There are support groups available just for the family members of those in recovery; you can find one in your area by inquiring with your loved one’s physician or by local recovery groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a chapter of NAMI.
In addition, it is helpful to pursue education—to learn how to deal with the stress of being an emotional support and a caregiver. Education classes for family members are offered by WestBridge. You can learn more about our support services and educational resources for family members here; we encourage you not to neglect your own emotional well-being as you seek to provide emotional support to your loved one in recovery.
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