How to Support a Recovering Addict on the Road to Sobriety
Many people who want their loved ones to get rid of substance abuse think that professional services like detox and rehab are the only roads to recovery. They often fail to understand that these professional services are just the start of a long journey.
Recovering from substance abuse is a very long process, because it requires a lot of courage, persistence and resolve to stay on the sobriety track. Recovering addicts need the support of loved ones after getting professional assistance, so it is very important for you to embolden and motivate recovering addicts to stick to a drug-free life.
Studies suggest that recovering addicts who received continuous support and encouragement from their loved ones found more success in beating the addiction than those who didn’t.
Below are some ways to support a recovering addict.
How to Support a Recovering Addict on the Road to Sobriety
The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It is human connection.- Johann Hari, Chasing the Scream
Pay attention
Recovering addicts need your attention. Particularly, they want someone to listen to them without panning them. One of the best ways to support a recovering addict is to pay close attention to what they have to say and to allow them to share their apprehensions, doubts, experiences and other feelings. This way you are letting the recovering addict voice his or her concerns to a kind ear, which can relieve their stress. It is also important to know the drug relapse triggers.
Show compassion
Most recovering addicts often feel they are being judged whenever they express their feelings to someone. One of the best ways to nullify this feeling is by showing compassion and demonstrating your love for the person instead of judging them. Also, don’t criticize, and don’t express your disapproval of their feelings. All they are asking for is your support, and if you handle this with care and love, they will soon become completelysober.
Create a drug-free atmosphere
The best way to ensure that a substance addict recovers and becomes a sober individual in the long run is by creating a drug-free atmosphere. You can ensure that your loved one is protected from drugs by keeping her or him away from places that might lure them to revert, and by eliminating any drugs from their living environment.
Reassure and motivate
You should always reassure and motivate a recovering addict to continue their drug-free life. You can do this by choosing healthy activities to engage in with them, and by motivating them to indulge in exercising and playing sports. When you keenly demonstrate your care for them, they will find it much more comfortable to steer clear of a potential relapse.
Practice patience
Recovering from substance abuse is a slow process, and it requires the addict’s loved ones to demonstrate much patience. If you seriously want them to recover, you have to show patience when they make mistakes, because mistakes certainly occur along the road to recovery. Show your affection by telling your loved one that you are always there for them, and that you are well aware that they will stick with their commitment to recover.
Remember, recovering from substance abuse is extremely easy when the addict’s loved ones demonstrate support. Your loved one will recover fast if you practice the points explained above.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.