Relationships are essential to a happy and healthy life. Many people who take the path to recovery from addiction describe themselves and their lives as “broken” when they first get sober. Addiction can create broken dreams, broken friendships, and broken families. The thought of getting clean and sober can sometimes seem overwhelming when you think about these things that seem so broken. Yet people pick up the pieces and put them back together all the time as they learn to recover and rebuild their lives as a person in recovery.
It takes courage and willingness to take the path that heals. With therapy, treatment, and some work, you can learn to strengthen and maintain the friendships and family relationships that you have.
You may have felt alone when you were addicted, but the truth is you were never the only person harmed by your disease. Other people often develop their own coping behaviors when they love somebody who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.
They may develop poor coping skills and lash out, or begin to withdraw from the relationship. That doesn’t mean they don’t care – most likely, they’re afraid and don’t know what to do.
People who love addicted people often have a lot of hurt and pain. Some people respond by feeling relieved and grateful when their loved on finds sobriety, but others may feel angry and mistrustful of the process.
These are problems they will need to work through just as you have to work on your own recovery. They may benefit from family therapy or one-on-one therapy, or even joining a 12-step group such as Al-Anon that focuses on supporting families.
For every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction. With a change in a family dynamic, there is more change! If you, as an addicted person, begin to become more independent and reliable, somebody who has been picking up the slack feels less useful. Everyone will adapt to your new way of life in their own time.
Working on yourself is the best you can do when you first start out in recovery. If you want to strengthen your relationships, you will have to start establishing trust. Having boundaries is also essential. These are issues you can work on in recovery with your own therapist.
Recovery from addiction is a journey, not a destination. We can help you begin to live a fulfilling life and transform your life. Getting help may sound scary, but the first step is easy – just reach out. You can contact us to learn about your options at 855-976-1495.
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