When someone that you care about becomes addicted to alcohol or another drug, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and helpless. And while you can’t cure your loved one’s substance use disorder, you can play an important role in their recovery efforts. Simply offering encouraging words for someone in rehab can make a tremendous positive impact in their life.
Impact of Giving Encouraging Words to Someone in Rehab
If you’ve never been in an addiction treatment program, you may not appreciate the power of encouraging words for someone in rehab.
Rehab can be a time of deep introspection and great change. People who are at the outset of their recovery journey may be re-evaluating their prior choices and behaviors, learning and practicing new skills, and preparing to face the challenges of life without numbing themselves with alcohol and other drugs.
No matter how committed a person is to their recovery, significant changes like this are always accompanied by some level of fear. When you take the time to send encouraging words to someone in rehab, you remind them that they’re not alone, that they have support, and that they are doing important work.
List of Encouraging Words to Say to Someone Who is at a Drug or Alcohol Rehab Center
If you’ve been having trouble identifying the right encouraging words for someone in rehab, here are a few suggestions:
- I’m thinking about you. If your loved one is in an inpatient or residential program, they may only have limited opportunities to communicate with friends and family. They may also be concerned that others are judging them negatively because of their struggles with addiction. Simply knowing that you are on their mind can be a source of both comfort and motivation.
- I know this isn’t easy – but I also know you can do it! Rehab can be extremely challenging, both physically and mentally. It’s common for people to worry that they may not have the strength to make the changes that will support their successful recovery. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the difficulties your loved one is facing, but be sure to follow that up with a reminder that you know they have what it takes to be successful.
- You deserve to live a healthier life. Many people who are starting their recovery journey struggle with shame and guilt over their past behaviors. They may not even believe that they’re worthy of a second chance. It’s never a bad time to tell someone you care about that they deserve health, happiness, support, and respect.
- There are so many people who care about you and who are rooting for you. Addiction can isolate people from friends and loved ones. During treatment, people have the time to reflect on the ways that their behaviors harmed or ruined their relationships. Messages like this one can let a person know that they are loved and supported, even by those who may have been negatively impacted by their substance abuse.
- I’m really proud of you. Choosing to enter rehab is a courageous decision that demonstrates hope and resilience. However, after denying their problem for so long, people who are forced to confront the truth of their addiction during treatment may feel like they have failed themselves and those they care about. When you let your loved one know that you’re proud of them for taking responsibility for their life, this can boost their self-esteem and help them maintain a positive, optimistic outlook.
How Else Can You Support Someone Who is Beginning Their Recovery?
Encouraging words for someone in rehab can make a true and lasting difference as they work to establish a solid foothold in early recovery. But your ability to support someone during this challenging time isn’t limited to positive thoughts and kind messages.
Here are three simple but meaningful ways that you can support someone who has begun to walk the path of recovery:
- Include them: When a person stops drinking or using other drugs, they may be concerned that their behavioral changes will destroy their social life and cost them friends. When your friend or family member gets out of rehab, make an extra effort to demonstrate that you still want them in your life (but, of course, make sure you’re not putting them in positions that could threaten their sobriety).
- Explore new activities: One of the many challenges of recovery is figuring out how to fill the hours that were previously devoted to acquiring and using drugs. Help your loved one find healthy activities that can add value to their lives and support their recovery efforts. You may want to consider volunteering, taking classes, participating in sports, and trying out new hobbies with them.
- Provide tangible support: Saying “let me know if there’s anything I can do” may feel like support, but unless you follow up with actual effort, this is basically an empty gesture. Think about how you can make your loved one’s life easier, and then take appropriate action. Do they need transportation to support group meetings? Are they struggling to find childcare while they’re in treatment? Identify potential problems, then provide the solutions.
Contact Los Angeles Detox Center
If someone that you care about has become addicted to alcohol or another drug, Los Angeles Detox may be the perfect place for them to begin their journey toward successful recovery. At our rehab center in Los Angeles, California, your loved one will receive customized care and close personal support from a team of dedicated and compassionate professionals.
We understand the many ways that compulsive substance abuse can undermine a person’s ability to live a productive and satisfying life, and we’re committed to providing the focused services that will promote long-term progress.
To learn more about our programming or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact Us page or call our center today.
