Addiction is a serious issue that can profoundly impact those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. The road to recovery is never easy; it can be even harder to do it with a partner. It is important to be supportive of your partner during their recovery, but there are also certain things you should avoid doing.

1. Don’t Enable Their Addiction

Enabling someone with an addiction means doing things that help them to keep using drugs or alcohol instead of encouraging them to seek recovery. Trying to protect your loved one from the negative consequences of their addiction can be tempting, but ultimately this does more harm than good. When you enable someone’s addiction, you are effectively helping them to continue using substances, which can lead to serious health problems, financial ruin, and even death. Additionally, enabling behavior can make it harder for a person to recognize that they have a problem and seek treatment.

If your partner is in recovery, it is important to stop any activity you are doing that can enable them. It would help if you stopped offering them money, accommodating their drug use, or defending their misconduct. Instead, please give them your support and encourage them as they work to get over their addiction.

2. Don’t Be Codependent

One important thing to remember when your partner is in recovery is not to be codependent. Please do not rely on them for emotional or physical needs. It is important to have your own life outside of your relationship. This includes having your friends, interests, and activities. If you don’t have a life outside your relationship, you may resent your partner and feel like you are not good enough. This can lead to arguments and conflict. It is also important to remember that recovery is a process that takes time. Some days will be easy, and others not so good. Don’t expect your partner to be perfect all the time. If you are having a difficult time, talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you deal with your emotions.

3. Don’t Try to Control Them

It is not easy to see someone you love struggling with addiction, but it’s important to remember only they can truly control their recovery. If you try to control their every move or force them into treatment, they will likely resist, and relapse may become more likely. Instead, please provide support and understanding as they navigate their recovery journey. Offer to go to counseling appointments, help them find resources, and be a shoulder to cry on when needed. But ultimately, allow them to make their own decisions and trust that they will succeed in recovery.

4. Don’t Give Up on Them

It can be difficult to watch someone you love struggling with addiction, but it’s important to remember that recovery is a process. There will be ups and downs, but as long as your partner is committed to improving, they will eventually get there. If their situation worsens, help them by searching online for a “methadone clinic near me”. Doing so will help you connect them with local providers specializing in addiction treatments. You can call the clinic to ask about their admissions process and treatment options. Be there for your partner and encourage them to keep up with their treatment.

Conclusion

The recovery process is difficult and often stressful, so it’s important to be there for your partner every step of the way. There will be times when they need to talk and times when they need to be alone. Respecting their boundaries and giving them the space they need is important. It’s important to be patient and remember that progress may initially be slow. But with time, patience, and love, your partner will eventually achieve sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.