Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Addiction treatment and recovery can help give new life to those struggling with substance use disorder and other addictions. At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Hadi Estakhri offers many treatments to help your loved one begin their journey toward recovery. 

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you may not know what to say or how you can best help or show support. Just as Dr. Estakhri is part of your loved one’s recovery team, so are you! Your support can help give your loved one strength as they embark on the road to recovery. 

In this blog, we focus on you and how you can best support a friend or family member through addiction treatment.

Learn about addiction

Addiction is a disease, not a matter of willpower. This is important to remember as it accounts for why addiction — regardless of whether it’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. — is so hard to overcome. 

Sometimes just wanting to quit isn’t enough. Certain changes in your brain may intensify your cravings, and to compound the issue, these changes can also impact the areas of your brain that control your judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.

In addition to learning about how addiction affects your brain, you can also learn more about the different types of addiction. This includes:

The takeaway: Addictions aren’t a choice. Because of the complex involvement of brain chemistry, it’s not easy to overcome an addiction on your own.

Learn about addiction treatment 

You can also support your loved one by learning more about the treatment they will receive. As part of addiction treatment, Dr. Estakhri begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This is essential to determine if there are any comorbidities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, that contributed to the addiction. 

If applicable, treatment may also include underlying mental health conditions. 

Other treatments available at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health include:

Dr. Estakhri fully explains all aspects of addiction recovery. 

Offer to help 

A great way to support a loved one is to offer to drive them to appointments, pick up prescriptions for them, or simply listen as they talk about their progress. Let them know you’re ready to help whenever they need you, even if it’s just a middle-of-the-night phone call when they’re struggling.

Consider offering nutritious foods that promote healing and comfort. Because your loved one may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea, offer bland foods that won’t further contribute to GI upset.

Join a support group for family members and caregivers 

Another great way to support your friend or family member through addiction treatment is to join a support group for caregivers. Not only does this give you a safe space to voice any of your concerns, but you may gain valuable insight from those who’ve been in your shoes.

Take care of yourself too

Taking care of a friend or family member can be stressful and even overwhelming at times. As you become a rock of comfort for your loved one, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Dedicate time to relax, eat nutritious meals, and address all of your mental and physical needs. 

You might feel selfish at first for focusing on yourself, but as the phrase goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Taking care of your needs ensures you’re in a good mental state to care for your loved one.

Questions about addiction treatment? Book an appointment with Dr. Estakhri today by calling us at 949-945-0927 or using our online scheduler. 

In the case of a mental health crisis, please call 988 or head to your local emergency room. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Mental Health Comorbidities No One Talks About

Managing one mental health condition can be tough, but some people don’t have just one condition. Many have two or more. Here’s a look at five mental health comorbidities that no one talks about … until now.

Help! I Think My Spouse Is Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is an often debilitating mental health condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment. If you suspect your spouse has bipolar disorder, what can you do? Find out here.

Managing ADHD in Adult Women

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often regarded as a childhood mental health condition, but adults are also affected by it. Read on as we share tips for managing ADHD in adult women.

Could You Have Schizophrenia and Not Know It?

Schizophrenia causes a wide variety of symptoms, and some of them may even overlap with other mental health conditions. This prompts the question: Can you have schizophrenia and not realize it? Read on to find out.

5 Encouraging Facts About PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel all-encompassing and overwhelming, but it’s treatable. In this article, we share five encouraging facts about PTSD so you can see the hope for a better future.