After you undergo addiction treatment, it can be expected that your mental and physical health will change for the better. But many individuals forget to consider that repairing relationships is part of the healing process! It’s true: social relationships influence substance use. From family members to romantic relationships, it is critical to consider that who you were and the people you associated with during active addiction will be different than the person coming out of treatment.
For many recovering addicts, prioritizing sobriety means building new healthy relationships and forgoing friendships and partnerships that were tarnished by substance abuse. With an emphasis on sobriety and a continued focus on substance use disorder recovery, our goal at Harmony Outpatient Center is to provide you with the tools needed for healthy relationships long after your formal addiction treatment program.
Relationships with Family Members after Substance Abuse
Drug addiction tends to damage those who are closest to us. This means if you have struggled with substance abuse, your family was likely impacted. Many who identify as recovering addicts will need to intentionally rebuild relationships with family members to regain their trust and heal any damage caused by past mistakes.
Oftentimes, community support groups, including 12 steps programs, will encourage repairing relationships through admitting past mistakes and making a clear ask for forgiveness.
Romantic Relationships After Substance Abuse
A new romantic relationship may be new and exciting after a period of healing. However, it is important to remember that substance abuse does not disappear once you leave the treatment facility! Ensure your new and exciting relationship supports your sober lifestyle, and you do not feel pressured to be put in triggering situations where relapse is likely.
Furthermore, romantic relationships tend to come with big emotions. Understanding the emotional side effects of romantic relationships, and using appropriate coping mechanisms when emotional situations arise, are critical for maintaining sobriety.
Social and Personal Relationships After Substance Abuse
Oftentimes, a recovering addict may have a social circle that glorifies or frequently partakes in alcohol and drug abuse. (In fact, it may be this social circle that caused an individual to become addicted to substances in the first place!) It is important to notice that relationships in early recovery can lead to relapse, and stay far away from those who do not respect your decision to stay sober.
We recommend attending support groups or aftercare programs after you complete formal addiction treatment, so you can surround yourself with like-minded individuals and healthy relationships that support your new sober lifestyle.
Building Healthy Relationships After Addiction
If your personal relationships feel strained or challenged after you have completed addiction treatment – you are not alone! Many individuals find it difficult to transition from addiction recovery into positive relationships that promote sustainable sobriety. Consider these tips for creating relationships that support your journey to healing:
Develop Healthy Boundaries
A healthy relationship comes with respect for another’s values! If your relationships do not support your sobriety goals, it is time to move on.
Promote Healthy Communication
You likely learned to develop new communication skills during your recovery treatment. Ensure your new relationships value open communication and honest feedback as a way of navigating challenging times.
Look for Emotional Support
Even after recovery, some individuals may experience mental health issues that often accompany substance use disorders. Create relationships that provide emotional support during vulnerable times.
Continued Healing After Addiction Treatment Near Delray Beach
If you have questions about life after addiction treatment or rebuilding relationships that can impact you and your future sobriety, contact us at Harmony Outpatient Center anytime. Your long-term sobriety is our priority, and we want to assist you in being prepared for relationships after addiction and help you navigate the process with grace. Reach out today.
