Helping a Loved One: Tips for Offering Compassionate and Understanding Recovery Support

When it comes to recovery support, lending a supportive hand to loved ones can make all the difference in their journey to recovery. For those dealing with problematic behaviours, it may be difficult for them to reach out and ask for help. 

According to a study by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, over three-quarters of people understand the importance of seeking early support, but only 42% do so.

Many wait over a year before seeking help, largely due to not understanding how to start or where to find the right resources and services. On average it actually takes 18 years for people to seek support. 

With compassion, patience, and the right approach, you can be a light on your loved one's path to healing. 

Here are some heartfelt ways to offer recovery support that makes a difference.

Active Listening - The Foundation of Effective Recovery Support

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen. 

When your loved one opens up, focus fully on their words without judgment or the urge to fix everything. 

Deep, attentive listening is a crucial form of recovery support. It shows them they are not alone in their pain. 

Phrases such as,  "I'm here for you", or "If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen" can help them feel seen, heard, and valued. 

Remember, being heard is often the first step toward healing.

Practicing Empathy To Strengthen Your Support

Empathy is more than just understanding - it's feeling alongside someone, even when you can't fully grasp their experience.

It’s saying, "I understand you may be hurting, and I’m here for you, no matter what." 

Empathy is an essential part of recovery support because it allows those going through their recovery journey to build a bridge that allows them to feel safe and loved.

Recovery support is rooted in empathy and can be a powerful force that breaks down walls of shame and isolation. This tip can help you create a place of comfort and encouragement.

Offering Practical Help 

Your loved one might feel overwhelmed by daily life, unsure of how to keep moving forward. 

Simple, practical actions, such as preparing a meal, driving them to an appointment, or helping with chores can be a tangible form of recovery support. 

These gestures say, "I’m with you if you need it, and we can face this together." 

If they are open to receiving support, you may want to point them in the direction of recovery support, such as attending peer-led SMART Recovery Meetings.

Led by those with lived experience, these meetings provide safe spaces for your loved ones to find a community ready to help them on their journey. 

Prioritising Self-Care 

In supporting others, it’s important to remember that providing practical help extends to caring for yourself too.

Just like on a flight, where you’re instructed to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others, you need to prioritise your well-being to offer effective recovery support.

Supporting a loved one in recovery can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s perfectly okay and advised to seek help for yourself. 

We offer dedicated support meetings for families and friends. These meetings provide a compassionate space to share experiences, gain insights, and find the strength needed to continue supporting your loved one. 

It’s okay to admit when you’re feeling drained or overwhelmed. 

Setting boundaries with friends, family or loved ones doesn’t mean you love them any less. It means you’re preserving the energy you need to keep providing support. 

Communicate openly about what you can and cannot do, and remind yourself that self-care is not selfish.

Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Setting boundaries helps ensure you’re both in it for the long haul.

Together On The Path Of Healing

Providing recovery support to a loved one is not about having all the answers. 

This moment in time is about being present, offering empathy, and standing by them with love and patience. 

At SMART Recovery Australia, we’re here to help both you and your loved one find the path to healing. 

Explore our resources, join a meeting, or reach out to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones.