When a loved one enters a recovery program for an alcohol or drug addiction, you want to be supportive. Though it will be difficult, you also need to keep your own expectations in check.

Writer Carole Bennett addressed the necessity of managing one's expectations in a Feb. 3 article on the Huffington Post:

You need to be bold enough and strong enough to let the alcoholic/addict's recovery unfold as it is meant to, not as you want it to. This is an important start in reining in your expectations, and in doing so you will be ahead of the curve.

Your expectations should not be part of the alcoholic/addicts life as they have nothing to do with you and whether you are doing the "right thing or not." Even if you believe you have found the best rehabilitation program in the world, remember that it is not your program and your expectations should not be pinned on the alcoholic/addicts performance or success. ...

If your expectations are not met, it may be difficult to cover up your disappointment. It's possible that the alcoholic/addict will sense this and realize that they are the reason for this sorrow. If they start to lose faith in themselves as well, this may create added pressure and possibly fuel a downward spiral.

Labels: support, recovery

Posted By: Aspen/CRC