When a loved one is having mental health challenges, it can be difficult to know what to say and do. If you’re wondering how to support someone after psychiatric hospitalization, know that there’s a wealth of help out there for families of people in recovery. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can do while a loved one is in treatment and provide strategies for how to support an addict in recovery. We’ll also offer some advice for taking care of yourself during this stressful time.
Understanding the Inpatient Treatment Experience
Inpatient treatment is challenging both for the individual going through the process and their family members. Depending on the type of treatment your loved one is receiving, they may spend some time alone going through a medically supervised detox and receiving individual therapy.
Some rehab facilities allow friends and family members to visit patients, but others don’t. In certain cases, a clinic may compromise and allow video or phone calls but not in-person visits.
If a facility doesn’t allow visitors, try to keep in mind that this rule is in place for good reasons. The time in rehab is intended to be a period of reflection and for building coping strategies to help people stay free from drugs and alcohol over the long term. Contact with friends and family members can be counterproductive if these individuals engage in recreational drug or alcohol use or there are unresolved issues that could bring out strong emotions during a challenging period in the person’s recovery journey.
Emotional Challenges Families May Face
When someone is in recovery, family members may find themselves feeling scared, confused or even isolated, just as their loved one does. Some common issues include:
- Isolation. Being unable to see a loved one while they’re in rehab could leave you feeling as though your own support network has been taken away.
- Fear of losing the person. In many cases, when someone enters rehab, they’re at rock bottom. You might worry that if the recovery attempt is unsuccessful, you may lose your friend or family member.
- Fear of the unknown. If you’re unable to communicate with a loved one or can only call occasionally, you may worry about how they’re feeling and what the future holds.
- Uncertainty about how to act. Recovery is a difficult time for everyone, and it can be hard to figure out what to say and how to behave when you do get to talk to your loved one.
- Anger at the situation. Addiction can cause people to act out of character. Feeling angry about how a person behaved or treated you during their addiction is a common reaction.
If you’re nervous, confused, worried or even angry, talk to someone about how you’re feeling. In many cases, rehab facilities offer the option for group or family therapy sessions once the individual in recovery is further along in their journey.
Staying Connected Without Overstepping
If you intend to stay in touch with your loved one during the recovery process, start by reaching out to ask for permission to visit or call. Make sure your loved one feels ready and able to communicate with the outside world and the contact is approved by their care team.
Arrange the visit/contact for a scheduled time, and set a specific duration. Stick to the schedule as much as possible, and listen to any advice the staff gives you before the visit starts. Try to keep the conversation constructive and avoid negativity or talking about the past. Be supportive and positive at all times.
Encouraging Recovery Without Pressure
The road to recovery isn’t linear, and it’s common for people to relapse more than once while they’re working to beat their addiction. As someone who cares for a person in recovery, it’s important for you to do what you can to help ease the process.
This could involve changing some of your habits, such as avoiding recreational drinking in the presence of someone recovering from alcoholism. It could also mean demonstrating understanding if your loved one finds coping with stressful situations more challenging than normal. Being in recovery doesn’t just involve detoxing from the physical effects of a drug; it also requires learning how to deal with daily life without using an addictive substance as a coping strategy.
Communication Tips During Treatment
When someone is going through the recovery process, it’s crucial to be supportive and try to avoid assigning blame. The stigma surrounding drug and alcohol abuse can be difficult for a person to overcome, and if they’re willing to seek help, it should be celebrated.
Keep in mind that substance abuse is a common problem. According to a recent survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 12% of the population say they’ve had a substance abuse problem at some point in their lives, and 73.1% of these people say they’re currently in recovery or recovered.
During treatment, focus on supporting your loved one as much as possible. Don’t put pressure on them to make future plans or commit to specific actions, and don’t dwell on previous issues. Focus on their current actions and behaviors and work with their care team to support them.
How to Support Someone After a Psychiatric Hospital Stay: Supporting the Transition Back Home
Leaving an inpatient facility and returning to daily life is a crucial step in a person’s recovery journey. When the time comes for your loved one to leave the rehab facility, ask their care team how to support someone after a psychiatric hospital stay. They can give you advice based on the individual’s circumstances.
Throughout the process, remember that to support someone, you need to be healthy and in a good state of mind yourself. If you’re stressed, anxious or feel you can’t handle your loved one’s mood swings while they’re going through recovery, be prepared to set boundaries or enlist the help of a professional.
Find Help and Support With Restore Mental Health
The staff at Restore Mental Health is here to help you and your loved one break free from addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our inpatient rehab options and how we can support you and your family during the recovery process.
