I was at the gym today here in Chicagoland and was approached by a mother whose son just came back from rehab. I do not know how she “knew” who I was, most here do not yet, but she did, and obviously felt comfortable with approaching me. Her concern was her son’s apparent desire to do nothing more than sleep since returning home.
It is not at all uncommon for people to sleep after they have gone through rehab and are now facing life sober. He is sober and this is quite an exhaustive accomplishment for someone early in recovery. This accomplishment is so much more important than anything else right now, so if he is sleeping for the first couple days after returning, leave him/her be. It is important to note however that this sleeping pattern should not continue past the first few days. I have found that keeping busy and structure are THE most important things to maintaining ones sobriety, so after a couple days, get him up and on his feet. Get him/her outside, take them shopping with you, or anything else you can think of to keep them busy. I know its demanding at times, but its certainly better than the alternative. Besides, this extra time is wonderful for creating an even stringer bond between you and your child. And who knows, you might actually end up liking their music after all!
Realize it your son/daughter who is responsible for his recovery, however, not responsible for having the disease. Don’t be mad at him. It will only frustrate the both of you and this they may use as an excuse go relapse. Try to put your frustration back on the disease. Parents are not prepared to deal with diseases such as addiction to don’t take this out on yourself either. Just do the best you can do, get educated, and be there for your child, they, just as you, can do this!
Super Star
www.weareoneonline.org
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