The road to recovery is a challenging journey, not just for the individual struggling with addiction but also for their loved ones. If you’re trying to help someone who is an inpatient at an addiction treatment facility or thinking about going into one soon, it can be tricky to know how to best support them. 

Inpatient addiction treatment programs provide a safe space for recovering addicts while they undergo the challenges of abstinence and recovery. As part of your loved one’s treatment plan, these inpatient rehab centers can help them rebuild their lives and strengthen their relationships. 

Here are some ways inpatient substance abuse treatment can help you build healthy relationships with the people around you.

Group Counseling and Therapy

Group therapy sessions are one of the inpatient substance abuse treatment programs’ first activities. These group sessions help you learn about yourself and others in the group and build strong relationships. 

Each patient has a unique style of communication, coping with stress, and relating to others. The group environment provides a safe space to explore these different communication styles and work towards more effective approaches. 

The group setting also provides a non-judgmental environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings about addiction, your life before addiction, and your goals for the future. 

You might find it easier to discuss these sensitive topics in a group’s safety with people going through similar experiences. This way, patients learn how to foster and build relationships with other people.

Recreational Activities

One of the best ways inpatient substance abuse treatment helps build healthy relationships is through recreational activities.

Recreational activities provide a space for group members to connect with one another in a non-therapy setting. Patients get to express their thoughts and feelings with others and get to know each other more. They also provide opportunities for patients to explore different interests and discover new things they may like to pursue in their lives after addiction treatment. 

The activities are often planned by staff and often on-site and off-site. On-site activities may be offered in the building where you live during treatment. Off-site activities usually take place in a different location and may require traveling as part of the experience. Nonetheless, recreational activities can include anything from game nights to outdoor activities like hiking, paddle boarding, or fishing.

Involving Family Members in Therapy

In an inpatient addiction treatment program, family members and significant others have the opportunity to play a big role in their recovery process. 

Some programs encourage family members to attend family counseling and individual sessions with the patient. Other programs may encourage family members to attend general sessions where you can discuss their addiction and treatment with other people in the same position. 

Family involvement is important for a few reasons. First, it helps the family understand addiction so they can better provide you with support during recovery. They provide an opportunity for open communication, involvement in your recovery process, and a chance to build healthy relationships with family members. 

Second, it helps the family recognize when they may be enabling your addiction. Third, it helps family members understand their role within the treatment program. Your family may have questions about attending inpatient treatment with you or with their loved one who is in treatment.

Addressing Mental Health Disorders

In addition to addiction treatment, many inpatient addiction programs offer mental health services. 

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are common in people with addiction. You can discuss treatment options with your doctor, who may prescribe antidepressants and/or antipsychotic medications for mood disorders. 

Therapy and medication may help you address a mental health disorder, which may help you build better relationships in life after addiction.

In Conclusion

Inpatient addiction treatment programs provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions and thoughts, address trauma and other challenges in their life, and build healthy relationships with others. 

Group sessions, family involvement, recreational activities, and other group activities help build strong relationships long after treatment and promote lifelong recovery. 

All in all, addressing a substance use disorder is challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.