The negative impacts of substance abuse disorders are felt by the individual battling the addiction and the people around them. Part of recovery involves making amends, asking for forgiveness from the people your addiction might have harmed. This post aims to offer you tips on repairing relationships in rehab. At Blueprint Recovery Center, we offer family therapy as part of our addiction treatment programs.
How Does Addiction Affect Relationships?
Addiction can be frustrating to those closest to the person suffering from substance abuse disorder. It interferes with the regular interactions they would have with friends and family. In the peak of addiction, they could be dishonest about their condition–in some cases, even manipulating those around them to get resources that further support their habit.
Substance abuse affects all kinds of relationships. Everyone close to you is, in one way or another, impacted by the destructive habit. Some of the relationships that suffer as a result of substance abuse include:
- Partner or spouse
- Parents or guardians
- Friends
- Children
How Can I Repair Relationships While In Rehab?
Repairing relationships in rehab is vital for holistic recovery. It is important to remember that the possible damage caused won’t be fixed overnight. With commitment, positivity, patience, and consistency, you can slowly reconnect with those closest to you. While you are a significant factor in the process, you cannot do it alone. This is where treatments like family and group therapy help guide the participants as you and those close to you attempt to resolve present and past issues.
Be Honest And Acknowledge Past Mistakes
Before seeking recovery, those who suffer from substance abuse disorder also struggle with denial. Begin by acknowledging how your past behavior affected those around you. Being honest with them allows you to be honest with yourself and, in the process, begin to rebuild trust. They might not quickly accept your apology, but seeking forgiveness is one of the first steps you need to take when mending relationships.
Follow up your apology with actions of intent. If your actions match your words, it is easier for people around you to trust you again. Once they can trust you, they are more likely to let you back into their lives.
Adopt Healthy Communication
Communication involves listening as much as talking. The guidelines given during group and family therapy will be geared towards helping the participants communicate in a healthy way. You might want to explain the reason for your behaviors, but your friends and family will respond better if they feel heard first. This makes them more comfortable about honestly expressing themselves. Healthy communication also results in effective problem resolution.
Be Active, Consistent, and Patient When Repairing Relationships in Rehab
During addiction, substance abuse is prioritized over everything else. Those close to you do not respond well to neglect. While they understand you might not always be there, they still appreciate it when an effort is seen. Be active and try spending more time with those you neglected in the past. During family and group therapy, you will be made aware of the time repairing relationships in rehab will take. In some cases, you might be met with resistance. Exercising patience will be one way to show them how treatment has changed you.
Though you might feel the need to make amends for past mistakes quickly, your treatment takes precedence. Before repairing broken relationships, you must first come to terms with your addiction. This is done through therapy and various addiction treatment programs. These programs are such as:
At Blueprint Recovery Center, we arm you with the tools that will aid in your recovery. These tools will also prove helpful when repairing relationships in rehab. If you are seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders, call Blueprint Recovery Center today at 833.654.1004.
