About Thomas Cothren of New York

Thomas Cothren is a New York based professional who works with individuals who are suffering with substance abuse and mental health issues. Thomas is a father who is in long term recovery and recognizes the importance of strong support systems to help guide those working to overcome mental health and substance abuse issues to their individualized ideas of success. To this end, Thomas tries to touch as many lives as humanly possible through his work and is passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life get better and properly manage their health. Thomas Cothren, previously of Fresh Start, is also a fitness enthusiast who has lost 100 pounds over the course of two years and encourages others to connect with their passion for physical and mental wellness.

Thomas Cothren is recognized by his colleagues, peers, and collaborators as a professional who understands the nuances of substance abuse and mental health recovery. Thomas is recognized for his immense knowledge of best practices, comprehensive methods for supporting clients through obstacles in the recovery process, and ability to motivate others to find their reasons for bettering their lives. Thomas Cothren, to this end, is dedicated to streamlining long term recovery while making the process more accessible and efficient.

Thomas Cothren of New York Explores Tips for Supporting a Loved One in Recovery

As a professional who has worked in the recovery space for years, Thomas Cothren is commonly asked questions from loved ones related to how they can best support a family member, partner, or friend currently working towards overcoming their substance abuse issues. Thomas Cothren of New York speaks to how there are several ways that individuals can offer support and love while maintaining their boundaries and not impeding their loved ones recovery process and, here, he addresses a few effective methods.

Accept Without Judgement

Many recovering substance users feel as though they are judged by their families and friends, and this can be an obstacle on their road to recovery. For this reason, many experts recommend that loved ones that comprise a substance user’s support system try to refrain from harsh criticism and work to practice empathy. Expressing love for a patient who is working on their sobriety can help with providing motivation that will serve them throughout their recovery journey. Thomas Cothren offers the caveat that accepting without judgement does not mean that loved ones need to be doormats who constantly put up with negativity or poor treatment without resistance. Instead, he recognizes that members of support systems can work to remind themselves that addiction is a disease and that the road to recovery is not a straight line. Patience, kindness, and empathy are key.

Maintain a Substance-Free Environment

It is important to not discount the importance that environment plays in helping those who are in long term recovery avoid backsliding. One way that loved ones can contribute to a patient’s recovery outcome is to remove drug paraphernalia and encouraging them to avoid environments and actions that may trigger relapse. Remember that the beginning stages of recovery can be tough for patients and, while they may say that it is okay to drink or use substances in their presence, it may inadvertently lead to difficulties on their path to a substance free life. Not keeping alcohol, prescriptions, or illicit drugs around a patient is simply an efficient way to remove temptation.

Vocalize Your Support

Loved ones who are on their recovery journey can often be afraid or even embarrassed to ask for help in specific terms. Because of this, an effective way to be supportive is to vocalize how you are there for them and wish to help them in their recovery in whatever way possible. Thomas Cothren, previously of Fresh Start, recognizes that vocalizing support is an incredibly effective way to be proactive and show that you are an active member of their support system. A common mistake that those interested in helping is make is assuming that the person in recovery knows that they are there to help and can ask them at any time. Instead, make your support clear and have a conversation with the patient to better detail the ways that you can assist them on their journey.

Become Educated on Recovery

Regardless of the level of knowledge you have regarding recovery and its processes, you will be more effective as part of a support system if you seek out more resources. Thomas Cothren of Maryland encourages loved ones of patients to seek out resources that empower them to learn more about how to best offer support, maintain their boundaries, and promote recovery. It is important to remember that you are not alone nor are you the first to search for ways to grow your understanding of the recovery space. There are millions of resources online and there may even be groups in your area that offer educational resources and additional support to the loved ones of patients in recovery.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

One fact that many loved ones of individuals struggling with substance abuse often forget is that substance use can affect everyone close to the patient who is struggling. Family members and friends commonly put the needs of their loved one above their own which can amount to a lack of proper self-care, higher capacity for illness, and issues with both anxiety and depression. For this reason, Thomas Cothren of Maryland encourages those who make up the support system of patients to make sure that they are properly tending to their own emotional, physical, and mental needs to avoid suffering from burnout or associated issues. You cannot pour water from an empty cup and taking care of yourself is an effective way to ensure that you are able to help care for others.

More from Thomas Cothren

Thomas Cothren, previously of Fresh Start, recognizes that there are many individuals interested in learning more about recovery and associated topics. Through content that addresses change, balancing life, working towards being more positive, remaining motivated through the recovery process, and contributing to both physical and mental wellness, Thomas Cothren aims to help readers contextualize their efforts to create a better future for themselves and their loved ones. Thomas also notes that accessible resources detailing recovery can be immensely valuable for loved ones of those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues and has dedicated himself to providing content helpful for their journey as well.

Do you want to learn more about recovery and associated topics from an experienced substance abuse and mental health professional such as Thomas Cothren of New York? Check this website frequently for updates, insights, and more provided by Thomas.