5 Gifts To Help Your Loved One in Addiction Recovery Feel Better

When someone you love is dealing with addiction or substance abuse, you’ll undoubtedly want to help them however you can. You might not be able to take away the pain of their struggle, even as they move through recovery, but you can offer the gifts of your time and attention to help them feel better despite the effects of addiction. 

1. Guidance

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For your loved one, the prospect of entering rehab or another recovery program can seem intimidating. However, by offering some guidance and recommendations of well-reviewed facilities and other resources, you can help make the process easier. You might send them to thehopehouse.com, for instance, knowing that the admissions team and experts behind the treatment options at The Hope House can put your friend or family member on the path to long-term sobriety. In the meantime, they’ll know that you’re here and that you’re happy to help them however you can. 

2. Experiences

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For many people struggling with substance abuse, it’s been some time since they‘ve experienced life sober. You can help support their efforts toward sobriety by helping to curate substance-free experiences and give them new happy memories. This doesn’t have to be a fancy vacation or once-in-a-lifetime experience, either. You might simply decide to gather the supplies for a gel manicure and turn your living room into a salon for the night. This manicure has an added benefit, too—whenever your loved one catches sight of the colorful gel adorning their fingertips, they’ll be reminded that you care for them. 

3. Support

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If you’re able, financial support and other tangible means will undoubtedly be appreciated as your friend or family member gets back on their feet. However, this isn’t the only way you can offer the gift of your support. It might not feel like you’re doing much, but simply being by your loved one’s side as they move through their treatment plan can be a gift in and of itself. It doesn’t cost a dime, but it’s genuinely a priceless present.

4. Distractions

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For someone in the depths of addiction, alcohol or other substances can serve as a distraction from stress, pain, or other discomforts. As they enter recovery, those distractions are suddenly gone. However, you can help them to uncover new healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with these stressors. For example, someone who’s used to having something to do with their hands might benefit from a simple fidget toy, while someone else might thrive with books, movies, or other standard entertainment options that help separate them from their struggles for a while. 

5. Resources

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One of the best ways to help a loved one through their addiction recovery is simply offering resources that support them on their path to sobriety. Suppose, for example, your friend is struggling with not knowing what steps to take next—they haven’t had a defined plan for their lives in a very long time. In this case, you may be able to offer personal development resources, whether it‘s a self-help book, motivational podcast, or other materials that can help them get their life back on track. 

Addiction or substance abuse recovery can be hard on friends and family as well as, of course, being a challenge for the person undergoing treatment. However, you can help support your loved one through this process by offering them gifts to help them feel better, be it tangible items, experiences and distractions, or resources and recommendations. Whatever the gift you decide on, your support is sure to mean the world to its recipient. As they start behavioral therapy, combat substance or alcohol use disorder, or simply catch sight of their gel polish while going about life, recovery will seem a little bit easier knowing they have you at their side.