Having Healthy Relationships in Recovery

On the other hand, codependency is a major sign of an extremely unhealthy relationship. A codependent person is emotionally off balance because their wants, needs, and what is best for them are secondary to those of the other person. Codependents have a “need to be needed,” so they largely define themselves by their efforts and ability to take care of someone else. This is particularly true in relationships that are impacted by substance abuse. In any close relationship, people share important aspects of their life experience and who they are. But, how do you know when to let others know that you’re in recovery from addiction?

Addiction treatment, a healthy relationship with a friend, family member, or loved one can provide you with a source of encouragement and support. This is important relationships in recovery during recovery as staying sober can be difficult for some people. For those who need less support, the companionship that relationships bring is just as important.

Recovery Relationships

Relay is a digital support group app that matches you to a team of peers to stay connected and accountable. However; we do suggest https://ecosoberhouse.com/ prayer, meditation, and 12-Step work as great places to start. Indeed, relationships are vital to our survival and our happiness.

• Relationships with friends have likely suffered because of addiction, no matter how long it has existed.
• A recovering addict should expect to come clean about everything they have been holding back from their spouse or partner as a starting point.
• The Ninth Step of Recovery guides us to “make direct amends”, except where attempting to do so will harm others.
• Identifying and shedding unhealthy or “toxic” relationships is also part of the recovery process.

Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself is an ongoing, lifelong process – but is the greatest investment you can make. We have talked about what a healthy relationship looks like.

Addicted to Love and Care

So when we return to our family and are still met with harsh negativity, the cycle begins again. Without family support, we turn to other forms of relationships to fill the gap. Co-dependency is a common issue for those of us struggling with addiction. Co-dependency is defined as a “behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship”. Relationships started in treatment can quickly become co-dependent for a few reasons. Many of us who suffer from addiction have low self-esteem or self-worth.

Guiding others through the program helps us be of service to other alcoholics and to build up our sober community. With our experience, we can help take other addicts/alcoholics through these steps and be of service. This doesn’t happen overnight, but it can happen if you follow the steps.

Building Healthy, Sober Relationships in Recovery

Don’t mention that your loved one has a particular point of view because they are an addict or in recovery. Going for help is positive and should never be used against someone to tear them down. If you are not strong and stable emotionally and in your recovery, the wrong relationship at the wrong time can sabotage your efforts and jeopardize everything you have worked so hard to achieve.

• It is not to say that all relationships are bad for recovery.
• Focus on making improvements and re-establishing connections with others.
• Any action taken toward rebuilding the relationship is a victory, and these small steps must be celebrated.
• While I haven’t been able to fully repair all my relationships, I have at the very least cleaned up the wreckage and rebuilt the infrastructure.
• Our hearts, as well as science, say that we need these relationships to live life fully.

When caught in the midst of addiction, it’s likely that you neglected some of your responsibilities or weren’t the most reliable person around. A huge part of recovery involves changing your old behaviors. You may be used to dishonesty when it comes to your addiction, but your recovery should consist of nothing but the truth – especially when it comes to your friendships. Chapman House is a California licensed residential substance abuse treatment facility licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. Stigma is an attitude, discrimination, or prejudice directed towards an individual or a group and can prevent a person from seeking out proper care, support, and treatment (Angermeyer & Dietrich, 2006).