This is because unhealthy relationships can cause a person to relapse. First and foremost, people in the early stages of recovery sometimes feel emotionally unstable, making their relationships volatile. When this volatility ultimately leads to the collapse of the relationship, this can easily trigger a relapse. Being told not to date for a year may feel unfair or unnecessary, but it can be hard to build healthy relationships during this time, and moreover, a relationship can distract from your personal growth.
Most people in addiction recovery have some relationships that are supportive and helpful, some that are risky or harmful for their recovery in some way, and some that are a little bit of both. Even the relationships that are generally supportive can be stressful at times, which can create high risk for recovery setbacks. An essential skill for recovery is finding ways to minimize the harmful effects and maximize the helpful effects of relationships on addiction relationships in recovery recovery efforts. There isn’t much guidance on this, and many people in recovery are given the message that their relationships can wait until they’re further along in recovery. That makes the process of relationship recovery pretty abstract for people who aren’t engaged with couple or family therapy. For many people, recovery or treatment is actually started because someone they love has detached, threatened to leave, or been hurt in ways that motivate change.
Ultimately, your loved ones must be willing to reconnect and try to rebuild your relationship, which can be a vulnerable decision if they’ve been hurt in the past. There’s a chance that your loved one may not be open to it, depending on your history. One common aspect is the tendency to shield the person with addiction from facing the consequences of their actions. This might involve covering up their mistakes, making excuses for their behavior, or bailing them out of financial or legal troubles caused by their addiction. They often grapple with anger due to the destructive consequences of addiction, feeling upset about the choices, lies, and pain caused. Ultimately, disclosing your recovery status to others is a very personal decision and the timing of it depends on a variety of factors.
By building connections with others who share your goals and values, you create a supportive network that can help you navigate the challenges of recovery and prevent relapse. You may even form a personal support system outside your group with the connections you make. There is this amazing tool in your recovery tool belt called your relationship. Not learning to use the power of your relationship for emotional comfort and support is like not using a top-of-the-line tool in your toolbox. It’s true your partner cannot be your sponsor or CEO of your recovery.
Loved ones may also develop codependent behaviors, such as enabling the addict, taking on the role of a caretaker, and placing the user’s needs before their own. Often, family members or friends require their own therapy for issues related to drug or alcohol abuse. Navigating relationships while in recovery can be challenging, but you can rebuild trust and repair bonds.
Their stories can provide guidance, inspiration, and hope, showing you that recovery is possible. Connection in recovery also provides a source of positive reinforcement. Celebrating milestones and achievements with others who understand the significance of these accomplishments can be incredibly motivating. Likewise, surrounding yourself with positive influences and supportive people can help to create an environment that nurtures your recovery journey. Having a substance use disorder and starting recovery might feel isolating, which may affect your relationships with family and friends.
