If you have a loved one that is or has struggled with substance abuse, it can be really difficult to know how to provide support to them. You have likely expressed your love in many ways and may feel like it has not been heard or been helpful. Here are some things to keep in mind as you provide your love and support:

1. Take care of your own needs: Addiction has an effect on the user, but also has a significant impact on their loved ones. It is a chronic issue with many acute or critical moments that can seem like the most important thing going on. It is really important to take time for self-care – meeting your own physical and emotional needs will allow you to support your loved one even better.
2. Learn about substance abuse: There are many resources out there for family and loved ones of those who suffer with addiction. Take advantage of these resources and get the support that you need. These resources can help you develop strategies for communication and setting boundaries, which are very important when interacting with a loved one who is battling addiction.
3. Try to support without enabling the addiction: This is extremely tricky…but addiction is expensive, can cause legal trouble. Try to make sure that any financial support is focused on their recovery, not supporting their habits.
4. Realize that they must take responsibility for their actions: Accountability and responsibility are critical components for recovery. Helping your loved one find a job and/or a rehabilitation facility that promotes these values can make a huge difference on the road to recovery. You are unlikely to be able to help them on your own.
5. Understand that this support may be a long-term commitment: Unfortunately, even when someone has made healthy changes to their life, addiction is a lifelong challenge. Your long-term support and long term effective treatment will be a huge positive for them. Everyone stumbles and makes mistakes, but the response to these bumps in the road is what is important.

Sober Living Community For Men In Minnesota

The Anthony House is a sober living community for men in Maplewood, MN. We focus on empowering our residents to live sober and clean lives by translating what you have learned in treatment into your daily life and promoting accountability and personal responsibility. We offer facilities with beautiful outdoor areas, amenities that make it feel like home and a sense of community that provides support and encouragement. If you would like to learn more about whether The Anthony House might be a good fit for your loved one, call us at 651-334-2395.