Supporting a loved one in addiction recovery is both a privilege and a challenge. Whether they are in a faith-based recovery program like Adult & Teen Challenge MidSouth in Chattanooga, TN, or working through their journey elsewhere, your support can make a significant difference. However, it’s essential to approach their recovery with the right mindset and actions.
In this blog, we’ll cover five key dos and don’ts to help you provide effective, Christ-centered support for your loved one.
The 5 Dos: How to Support Your Loved One in Recovery
1. Do Encourage Their Faith and Healing Journey
Faith is a cornerstone of recovery, especially in Christ-centered addiction recovery programs like Adult & Teen Challenge MidSouth. Encourage your loved one to stay committed to their spiritual growth by:
✅ Attending church or Bible studies with them
✅ Praying for and with them regularly
✅ Reminding them of God’s promises and grace
Bible Verse for Encouragement: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
2. Do Educate Yourself About Addiction and Recovery
The more you understand about addiction recovery, the better equipped you’ll be to support your loved one. Research how addiction affects the brain, behaviors, and relationships. Attend family support meetings or read about faith-based addiction recovery programs.
Some key topics to learn about include:
📖 The role of faith in addiction recovery
📖 How addiction impacts mental health and decision-making
📖 The importance of accountability and community in recovery
3. Do Set Healthy Boundaries
Loving someone in recovery does not mean enabling destructive behaviors. Setting clear, healthy boundaries is vital for both their healing and your well-being. Some examples of healthy boundaries include:
✔️ Avoiding financial handouts that might enable relapse
✔️ Encouraging personal responsibility and independence
✔️ Holding them accountable with love and grace
Boundaries help them develop self-discipline and take ownership of their recovery.
4. Do Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small
Recovery is a long-term journey, and every milestone is worth celebrating. Whether it’s one week sober, completing a recovery step, or finding a job, recognize their progress. This encouragement helps build confidence and motivation.
Ways to celebrate:
🎉 Write them an encouraging note or letter
🎉 Acknowledge their progress in conversation
🎉 Celebrate with a special meal or activity
5. Do Take Care of Yourself, Too
It’s easy to become emotionally drained when supporting a loved one in recovery. Self-care is not selfish—it’s necessary. Make sure you:
💙 Spend time in prayer and seek God’s guidance
💙 Set aside time for hobbies and relaxation
💙 Join a family support group for addiction recovery
A healthy support system helps you be a better source of encouragement for your loved one.
The 5 Don’ts: What to Avoid When Supporting a Loved One in Recovery
1. Don’t Shame or Judge Their Past
Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. Many individuals in recovery already feel guilt or shame about their past. Rather than bringing up old mistakes, remind them of the grace and redemption found in Christ.
Instead of: “I can’t believe you did that.”
Say: “I’m proud of how far you’ve come, and I know God has a plan for you.”
2. Don’t Try to Control Their Recovery
While it’s natural to want to protect your loved one, recovery is a personal journey. Avoid trying to force their healing or make all their decisions. True transformation happens when they take responsibility for their recovery.
What you can do:
❌ Don’t dictate how they should feel or act
✅ Do offer support, listen, and encourage them to lean on God
3. Don’t Enable Harmful Behaviors
One of the biggest mistakes family members make is enabling rather than helping. This could include:
❌ Giving them money when they ask for it
❌ Making excuses for irresponsible behavior
❌ Rescuing them from consequences instead of letting them learn from them
True support empowers them to stand on their own with God’s strength, rather than depending on others to fix their problems.
4. Don’t Expect Instant Transformation
Recovery takes time. Even with a strong faith-based program, healing doesn’t happen overnight. There may be setbacks along the way. Rather than expecting immediate results, focus on progress over perfection.
Patience, prayer, and perseverance are key in supporting a loved one. Trust that God is working, even when the journey feels slow.
5. Don’t Give Up on Them
Relapse and struggles can be part of the recovery process. If your loved one stumbles, it doesn’t mean they have failed completely. Keep encouraging them to:
✨ Stay connected to their faith-based recovery program
✨ Surround themselves with positive influences
✨ Trust in God’s ability to restore and redeem their life
Bible Verse for Encouragement:
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Final Thoughts: Walking Alongside Your Loved One in Recovery
Supporting someone through addiction recovery isn’t easy, but with faith, patience, and healthy boundaries, you can play a vital role in their transformation. Remember:
✔️ Encourage their faith in Jesus Christ
✔️ Educate yourself on addiction and recovery
✔️ Set healthy boundaries
✔️ Celebrate small victories
✔️ Take care of your own well-being
At Adult & Teen Challenge MidSouth in Chattanooga, TN, we are committed to helping individuals and families find hope, healing, and freedom from addiction. If you or a loved one needs support, contact us today at www.tcmidsouth.org to learn more about our Christ-centered addiction recovery program.
💙 You are not alone—there is always hope in Christ!
