For many, the prospect of treating their addiction isn’t what scares them the most, it’s the rebuilding of their lives that has to happen afterwards. Recovery is not an event, but rather a process, one that can be infinitely more difficult if one has to face it on his or her own. If you are ready to finally take action to confront your substance abuse addiction, you must also start to seriously think about those you will need to involve in your recovery in hopes of bolstering your chances of long-term success.
Unfortunately, one of the byproducts of your substance abuse may be a damaged relationship with a loved one. That relationship must be repaired if you are to lean on them for support during your recovery. Of course, re-engaging in a romance or mending a friendship with one who has seen you at your worst may be difficult. It, like your recovery, is likely to be a long process, yet one that you will find worth it in the end.
Recognize What You’ve Done
It’s easy to be selfish during the initial stages of your recovery from substance abuse, viewing yourself as the only one having to deal with problems. Yet you need to recognize that your use may have also forced others to endure abuse, as well. Even if you never got so far as to physically assault your spouse, partner, parent or friend, you may have subjected them to actions that were equally as hurtful, such as:
- Dishonesty
- Verbal abuse
- Theft
- Philandering
One might argue that the scars left over from such actions might take even longer to heal than cuts and bruises. As you present your case to repair your relationship, you need to be prepared to not only face their lingering pain, but also to convince them of your need for their assistance in helping you overcome your addiction.
Restoring Your Relationship Through Your Recovery
How? Listed below are some suggestions to consider:
- Start by being selfless: So much of your addiction problems are centered around you only caring about you. Turn the tables and try to not only help those you’ve hurt by making reparations, but by serving others, as well.
- Talk: If you feel as though there is a lot in your own head that needs to be said to your spouse, partner, or friend, imagine how much more he or she may have to say to you. Sit down and talk openly about what has happened, how you both feel, and what you both want to see change. Relationship therapy (outside of your addiction treatment) is a great forum for such discussions.
- Hold yourself accountable to him or her: Involve him or her in your recovery by allowing them to hold you accountable. Report your daily happenings. Consider starting a treatment journal together so that he or she can understand where you’re at in your recovery.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Additional Help
Despite the depths that your addiction may have taken you to, you may be pleasantly surprised at how willing your loved ones are to forgive and forget. However, you need to be able to demonstrate a daily commitment to your recovery in order to earn their trust back.
Not to worry; our services here at High Focus Centers are aimed at offering counseling and psychiatric services that will help you on the long road to recovery. To learn more about how we can help you repair the damage addiction has done to your life, call us at 877-700-4943 to speak with one of our treatment counselors.
