How to Help a Struggling Loved One Without Hurting Yourself
Substance use has a way of making an impact on those closest to us. If you are currently supporting a loved one through their substance use, it can feel challenging to address the problem and inspire forward momentum.
With our team at Next Level Recovery Associates, it is a vital part of our work to support and encourage each client's loved ones to become a strong support network for the person in recovery. We understand that addressing and honoring the healing of close loved ones is an integral part of creating a solid support system.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is when the mind and body express that they're maxed out while managing a lot at once. This experience can also be equated to compassion fatigue.
When someone is left or expected to take on more or different roles while their loved one faces challenges with substance use, it can easily become overwhelming. Your own cup needs to be full while taking on the noble role of supporting and loving someone through their hardships.
In hopes of avoiding this challenging space of burnout, here is a list of symptoms associated with it:
Dissociation and feelings of apathy
Loss of self-esteem or hopeless feelings when feeling efforts are in vain
Becoming hyper-focused on work or showing poor performance at work
Relationship problems due to resentment, conflict, etc.
Physical or mental health challenges, such as headaches, backaches, depression, anxiety, etc.
Turning to substances to cope with the stress of the situation
Experiencing burnout is hard, but with the right support, it can be completely avoided. As hard as it can be to witness a loved one struggling, there is only so much we can give. To avoid enabling behaviors, experiencing guilt or excessive worry, and other self-defeating ruts we may find ourselves in, we must be able to remain mentally and emotionally strong. Putting your needs first, holding firm boundaries, and practicing self-care are just a few ways to help fortify your inherent inner strength.
How Can You Manage Your Well-Being and Avoid Burnout?
It can be taxing to manage the potentially drastic effects substance use can have on loved ones and families. Left untreated, these simultaneous experiences of loved ones can develop long-term mental, emotional, or even physical challenges. We understand that it is essential to provide support and resources to our clients' loved ones. When everyone is on the same page while manifesting their own healing, the road to recovery is a lot smoother.
There are several ways to be diligent in managing your needs to avoid burning yourself out while offering your support. Here are a few simple ways to create this balance moving forward:
Prioritize Your Needs
Sometimes family members can also feel overly responsible for their loved one's choices. By prioritizing your own needs, it is less likely to experience feelings of resentment or guilt. Taking the time to distinguish the importance of the things that keep you going will encourage you to show up as your best self. When you value your own time and resources, others have no choice but to do the same.
Set Boundaries
Similarly, setting firm boundaries helps protect you and establish a safe environment that ultimately promotes healing and recovery. This will require being assertive and firm with your expectations. Though this can be challenging, setting strong boundaries helps to keep everyone safe and driven towards the path to recovery.
Practice Self-Care
Lastly, establishing a healthy self-care practice not only guarantees that you are better able to manage your stress amidst life's circumstances, but you will also naturally set an ideal example for your loved one in recovery. They will be able to witness firsthand the power of maintaining a consistent, intentional practice solely dedicated to your well-being.
No matter what challenges you or your loved ones may face, it will always be a lot harder to offer your best from an empty cup. Honoring your needs while supporting a loved one who struggles with substances is a great way to ensure that the relationship stays intact. By helping us avoid the risk of fallout or any other relational rifts, it is much more likely that your support can contribute to someone getting help.
How Can You Encourage Recovery Without Exhausting Yourself?
By committing to your well-being, you are better able to know and manage your abilities and limits. The best way to inspire recovery is to focus on compassion and grace for yourself and your loved one who is struggling. By holding space for everyone involved, everyone's needs can be met as we move forward together.
Next Level Recovery Associates is committed to healing our clients and those closest to them. A core factor in our treatment program is to address and facilitate family healing. Being that each family has unique beliefs and lifestyles, there are several ways we can collaborate in creating a well-rounded recovery plan. From addressing spiritual needs to identifying a solid plan for living an inspired and joyful sober life, we offer expert-level guidance and care.
It takes a noble soul to actively support a loved one through their challenges with substance use. Oftentimes mismanaged feelings of stress can overwhelm and weigh down the spirit. This experience has been labeled burnout or compassion fatigue. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure your specific needs are honored and fulfilled. By prioritizing your needs, setting firm, healthy boundaries, and establishing a solid self-care practice, it is possible to avoid reaching the point of burnout. If you or a loved one are seeking help with overcoming substance use disorder, Next Level Recovery Associates believes in treating the client alongside those closest to them. We offer unique resources to meet the needs of the client's loved ones to ensure that they are able to support themselves and each other moving forward. To learn more about treatment options, email us at consult@nextlevelra.com.