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How do I support someone I love when they go to rehab?

14 Answers
Last Updated: 03/08/2022 at 5:40am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
November 5th, 2014 8:42pm
If they are allowed to have visitation, be there for them. If they call and need someone, pick up the phone and talk. Celebrate every milestone and accomplishment, even if they might seem silly to you.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2014 10:08pm
Do not try to give advice. Simply offer support and positive thoughts. Do not remind them about past relapses or other negative behaviors they are attempting to overcome. Just be there for them in a calm, supportive way.
ImperfectlyPerfect
November 10th, 2014 11:50pm
Sometimes, remind some one that you will always be there to support them is really enough. Remind them that you love them and how proud you are regularly.
RegularSoul
November 15th, 2014 2:49am
You can support your friend by being there for them. Visit when you can, write, or any other forms of communication. The best support is always being there for them.
Spiderman93
November 24th, 2014 12:45pm
Believe in them. Let them know you are going to support their decision. Let them know that they are making a great decision and that you are going to be there for them.
Siouxsie
December 4th, 2014 7:54am
Tell them you love them, that you wish the best for them, and that you will support them in any way that is conducive to their recovery, but then simply leave them alone.
brilliantMirage58
December 14th, 2014 8:12am
It is best to support them by visiting them if you can. Some rehabs allow no visitation and if that is the case, welcome them home with the warmest hugs you can bring them. Many times, people in rehab believe that everything is their fault but always remind them that it is now. You can talk to me anytime about supporting loved ones in rehab.
Anonymous
December 18th, 2014 2:57pm
You can call them or go visit them of course or send them positive letters in the mail showing them how much you care :)
BreAnna5
December 24th, 2014 3:07am
Just tell them you are proud and stand by them in whatever way they need in that type of situation. Certain rehab situations require different support methods. You could even write to them or call them to make sure they know they are not alone.
TommyG
- Expert in Alcohol/Drug Abuse
December 26th, 2014 10:10pm
Let them know that you don't think less of them and are not going to forget about them. Rehab is a scary place for some but the fact that someone is going there to get help for themselves shows that they are trying to better themselves. Stay supportive and believe that they will be helped and their lives will improve because of it.
VIPMack
April 3rd, 2015 7:41am
Very difficult situation, I understand this because I have a brother who was in rehab but decided to run. The best thing to is to keep your head up high and don't let anything get to you. Just remind yourself that it is for their better good and to make their life better.
Anonymous
April 29th, 2015 5:44am
This is often a difficult thing for people. The best thing that you can do is to be there for them. Talk to them whenever you can and avoid talking to them as if there's something wrong with them. Avoid always asking if they're okay. Have normal conversations with them as you usually would and tell them that you are here to support them any way that you can. If you do that they will be sure to tell you what they would like from you.
DrMustafa1981
March 2nd, 2020 4:02pm
First of all,you should remind him/her with his/her good deeds he/she has made in his/her life.The disability is not in our bodies,but it lies in our thought.The famous British scientist Stephen Hawking received the second noble prize,while he was suffering from a severe disability.Second,you should encourage him/her to do his/her hobbies.You should encourage him/her to start a new study and engage in sports activity.The support groups can provide him/her with similar conditions,which help him/her to rethink about his/her problem again.The watching of television is not a good method to kill the time,every day every one should learn a new lesson in their lives and accept a new skill in order to enjoy a good mental health. Let me know if you need more help.
Anonymous
March 8th, 2022 5:40am
A person's default need is Connection, whether they're going to rehab or sending a friend request or going to a bar or just simply existing, so I think that's where your support should import its strength, make them feel connected to you no matter the distance or the circumstance, stay connected if you can, visiting, calling, texting. Most support in this situation I think will come after rehab, help them get back on track, introduce new routines and new behavioral patterns, help them change their environment if you can, make the distinction between support and enabling, be honest with them and support only what you see best for them, engage in healthy habits and form hobbies together.