5 Things Friends Can Do To Help Their Friends Through Drug Rehabilitation
If a friend of yours goes off to drug rehab or enrolls in an outpatient drug detox program, you may experience a number of emotions: sadness, worry, fear, anger, relief. Depending on whether or not you were actively using with your friend before he or she left, you may even react with a certain amount of disdain. Let me say right off that if this is the case—if you are using or you are not supportive of your friend going through rehab for drug addiction—the best thing you can do for your friend is to stay out of the way.
Your friend is going through a lot of changes, both emotional and physical. Using and drinking are no longer options and, in fact, once one has attempted to get clean, getting loaded will never be the same guilt-free experience it once was. In fact, using after rehab is even more dangerous than if you’d never quit. Overdoses are far more common since few addicts account for their decreased tolerance after an extended period of abstinence and tend to sort of pick up where they left off, which was usually a pretty high dose, and take on more than their body can handle.
However, if you are clean and sober or someone who may drink at social occasions but is not addicted to prescription drugs or other opiates, then there are a number of ways that you can show your support for your friend as he or she undergoes detoxification, withdrawal and treatment.
* Don’t disappear. Your friend will most likely need you for emotional support. Don’t overwhelm them by showing up without calling or calling 20 times a day, but let it be known that you are available.
* Be positive. You may have your misgivings about the treatment chosen and whether or not it will “stick,” but keep all negative thoughts to yourself.
* Stay strong. It may not be easy for you to watch your friend deal with the rainbow of emotions that they will experience especially knowing that there is nothing that you can do. If you feel overwhelmed, blow off steam elsewhere.
* Be supportive and Non-judgemental. If your friend goes to an AA or NA meeting, go along if you’re asked. Help him or her remember to eat well, exercise and get some sleep. Try your best not to judge anyone, for people attempting to live in sobriety are often very sensitive (especially at the outset).
* Take care of yourself. You’re no help to anyone if you don’t make sure to get enough sleep, eat right and exercise. If you’re spending a lot of time with your friend, take some breaks for yourself. If you find the intensity of your friend’s rehabilitation is affecting your job performance or relationships with other friends and family, then do what you have to do in order to get back on track. Your friend will understand and your friendship will be stronger for it.
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