Changing relationship habits is the first step someone struggling with substance use must take when starting a new drug-free life. Many individuals in recovery cite their support and social circle as the main factors aiding them in long-term recovery.
But why are rebuilding relationships so important?
In an ongoing quest to find the secret to happiness, scientists find themselves returning to the same answer time and time again—relationships with other people.
However, after severing ties with old drug-abusing associates, many in early recovery are faced with building a social network from the ground up. A task that may seem daunting and lonely but doesn’t have to be.
Drug Addiction Recovery and Relationships
The core issue here is one of trust. After everything you’ve been through and all the hard work you’ve put into your recovery, it may feel like that should be enough to earn the trust of your loved ones.
While everyone is different, it will likely take more time for most people.
Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut. But there are things you can do to keep your relationships moving in the right direction.
Here are eleven ways you can break away from loneliness and make strong and healthy connections
- Grieve the loss: Often, giving up drugs or alcohol may feel like you are losing your best friend. As such—even though it was vastly one-sided—it’s still imperative to grieve the loss. In early addiction recovery, you’re likely to experience a vast array of emotions, including shock, loneliness, anger, and sadness.
- Join a support group: Oftentimes, an individual in recovery may feel as if they are on the fringe of society and that no one will understand him or her. Spending time with others in recovery that share similar struggles and can provide a listening ear and honest feedback can go to immense lengths to quell these feelings and aid in recovery. Additionally, reaching out for guidance from a sponsor or therapist can help an individual work through their feelings and suggest additional resources.
- Make amends where possible: Unfortunately, addiction can cause loved ones—who were hurt and confused by the substance user’s destructive behavior—to disconnect. Early recovery provides the perfect time and opportunity to make amends. For example, doing what you say you’ll do and showing your loved ones your commitment to recovery may go a long way in reestablishing those connections.
- Cut out negative influences: As previously stated, when in recovery, it is essential to cut out all negative influences and relationships that may pose a threat to recovery. Additionally, while dating may seem like a great way to connect with people, romantic relationships can also run the risk of being distracting and volatile, and strongly associated with relapse in the first year of recovery.
- Go online: Today’s age of social networking and smartphones provide the space for dozens of support outlets accessible to anyone with just the click of a button. Through online forums, it is quick and easy to talk to others in recovery. The plethora of free recovery apps available provide suggestions, daily affirmations, and information about local support groups.
- Diversify: Feelings of loneliness can often signal that a change of pace is needed. Early recovery is a great time to consider joining a club, taking a class, or trying something you’ve always wanted to do.
- Get comfortable with yourself: Taking the time to get comfortable with oneself and being someone with whom others want to interact can go immense lengths to help rebuild relationships. This can be helped along by building self-confidence, developing appropriate social skills, setting healthy boundaries, and being a good friend in return. It’s also important to note that it is healthy to be alone sometimes, but being alone does not necessarily mean you’re lonely.
- Give back: To be a good friend, it’s important actively listen, consider other’s needs, etc. Acts like volunteering can be a productive way to build a greater sense of connection with others.
- Stay balanced: It is essential in early recovery to ensure the aspects of your life stay balanced. For example, it may be important to make friends and family the priority. While work, school, and other responsibilities are also important, if they monopolize your life, your recovery can suffer.
- Stick to a routine: That way, when you feel lost and aren’t sure what to do, you already have an option waiting for you. Just do the next right thing.
- Sit with your emotions: Even with a solid support system, everyone feels sad or lonely from time to time. Unpleasant emotions are a healthy part of life, and you may be able to learn from them by recognizing feelings as signals that something is not working in your life.
Maintaining a social life in recovery is immensely valuable to the recovery path. People who are socially isolated are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and are flirting with the possibility of relapse.
Following some of the steps listed above can not only aid in the path to long-term recovery but can also help bring back some joy in their relationships again.
Always remember you don’t have to face the journey alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, don’t hesitate to give The Raleigh House a call and ask about our Family Systems Therapy or other addiction treatment programs in Denver.
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