Recovery from addiction or other mental illness can be a challenging process which is why motivation is needed to provide a boost on the journey. Many sources can serve up motivation including the nurturing love of friends, family and other loved ones. The importance of love to a person’s motivation cannot be understated, especially when the challenges of recovery happen along the way.
Foundations of Love in Recovery
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines four aspects of a successful recovery. Love is an important factor in all four of the pillars:
- Home: individuals who struggle with mental health conditions and addiction benefit from a stable living environment. The support of loved ones can provide a calm presence which aids in recovery.The home environment is likely the place an individual spends the most time and benefits greatly from having a caring, supportive space to cope with the ups and downs of addiction or mental health issues.
- Community: Outside the household, individuals in recovery need active, positive influences in life. Support from friends, neighbors and others can provide warmth and a soothing presence in challenging times. Loyalty and other emotions can alleviate some of the burden recovery brings. Being part of the community through volunteering, engaging with others and having fun doing activities a person enjoys will help boost confidence and morale.
- Purpose: Persons with mental illness may feel useless in daily life and need direction in day-to-day routines. Some of the most worthwhile pursuits, such as volunteering or finding new friends, build on the power of love to motivate people in recovery.
- Health: Treatment of an addiction is critical for recovery from underlying mental health conditions. Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to psychological distress. Mental distress can negatively impact motivation for self-care but individuals in recovery must treat the mind, body and soul with as much love as others provide.
Love in Addiction Recovery
Love is healthy and a worthwhile endeavor but is not enough to keep a person totally sober and healthy. It is a vital component to help convince a person to seek necessary treatment. SAMHSA recommends psychiatric care for people with mental health conditions whether it is through admission to a facility or regular visits with a counselor. Support in recovery is very important. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) laid out several recommendations for loved ones with people who struggle with mental health issues or addiction.
Individuals with mental health conditions benefit from empathy and validation of being heard and provided with a positive, supportive environment rather than forcing alternative views on the person. Mental health professionals provide critical resources for people, families and other loved ones to help everyone handle the diagnosis better and provide a more holistic approach to recovery. Love in addiction recovery can mean a lot to someone healing old wounds.
Love as a health aid is one piece in a larger puzzle of helping an individual recover from a mental health condition or addiction. A well-rounded approach which focuses on the whole person can go a long way towards recovery. Hired Power can help you and your loved ones get there with support and resources. Call us for more information.
