Supporting a Loved One in Rehab: Tips for Phone Calls

When a loved one is in rehab, especially when they call crying during the difficult process, it can be challenging to know how to support them. Here are some effective strategies to help you assist your husband from a distance.

Listen Actively: Understanding and Empathy

During your phone call, the first and most important step is to listen actively. Allow your husband to express his feelings without interruption. Empathize with his pain by acknowledging it openly. A simple statement such as 'I’m here for you, it’s okay to feel this way' can make a significant difference.

Reassure Him: Show Your Care and Pride

Remind him that you support him and feel proud of the steps he is taking towards recovery. Reassurance can provide him with comfort and motivation. You can say, 'I believe in you and I’m proud of the steps you’re taking.'

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encouraging Sharing

Encourage him to share more about his feelings and experiences. Open-ended questions like 'What’s been the hardest part for you?' can help him articulate his emotions and feel heard.

Discuss Your Feelings: Keeping the Focus on Support

Feel free to share your feelings about the situation but maintain the focus on supporting him. It’s okay to express that you’re worried or that you miss him, as long as you express your support for his recovery.

Set Boundaries: Clear Communication

While it’s crucial to be supportive, it’s equally important to establish your boundaries. If visiting isn’t possible, explain why gently. This can help manage expectations and avoid unnecessary stress.

Encourage Professional Help: Utilizing Resources

Suggest that he talks to his therapist or counselor about his feelings. They have the tools and strategies to cope with his emotions. You might say, 'Perhaps we can support you by getting some additional tools or strategies from your counselor.'

Plan for the Future: Hope and Positivity

If possible, discuss plans for the future such as visiting him when he’s ready or what your life might look like after rehab. This can give him hope and stability.

Follow Up: Regular Check-Ins

After the call, check in with him regularly to show that you care and are thinking about him. Consistency in your support can make a big difference in his emotional well-being.

Supporting His Recovery: Encouragement and Boundaries

Tell him that he’s strong and that he has this. Emphasize that these feelings are a normal part of the recovery process. Encourage him to take steps and share these steps with his group and his counselors. Inform him that you will come see him when his program says it’s okay to visit and that you will participate in the family treatment his program invites you to. When his program gives the go-ahead, encourage him to focus on his recovery and tell him you will follow the directions of his rehab program regarding visits and contact.

Professional Involvement: Communicating with Rehab Staff

Call his rehab counselors and inform them of your concerns. When you speak with them, mention that your husband has been crying and you are worried he might be thinking about leaving the program, relapsing, or engaging in self-harm. Ask them to check on him and provide any additional support or treatment he might need to stay in the program and successfully complete it.

Remember, your support can make a significant difference, even from a distance. By following these steps, you can provide the necessary care and encouragement that your husband needs during his recovery journey.