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Keeping Relationships Strong Through Addiction Recovery

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Navigating relationships during the addiction recovery process can be tricky. However, this doesn’t mean that someone overcoming substance abuse needs to isolate themselves from others; a healthy support system is a crucial tool throughout treatment for substance abuse.  One can do several things with the help of their support system to maintain strong relationships through addiction recovery. Identifying supportive relationships, addressing problematic ones, and joining support groups, community organizations, and hobby groups are great ways to build and maintain healthy relationships.  In this article, we’ll go in-depth on how to best approach relationships during the recovery process so that you or your loved one can move forward in the recovery journey without losing those closest to you. 

What Makes a Healthy Relationship? 

Knowing what makes a healthy relationship is imperative, especially since someone going through the recovery process may not be able to see the signs of a harmful one immediately. When someone is dealing with an addiction, they may engage in toxic relationships because that’s what they’re used to.  Some of the attributes of a healthy relationship include the following: 
  • A mutual respect 
  • Healthy communication
  • Feelings of safety 
  • Trust 
  • Encourages good behavior 
  • Supports recovery 
  • Boundaries 
  • It makes you feel good about yourself
These are not only great things to have in a relationship in general, but they can make addiction recovery easier because they help an individual think more clearly. 

How to Recognize a Toxic Relationship 

Being able to identify a toxic relationship when compared to a healthy one is the only way to be able to leave these relationships behind. Now that we’ve identified what a healthy relationship looks like, some characteristics of a toxic relationship include the following: 
  • The encouragement of substance abuse
  • It drains you of your energy 
  • Perpetuates negativity 
  • Never-ending drama
  • Unreliability 
  • Distrust
  • Control and manipulation 
  • Diminishes your self worth 
  • Is too codependent 
  • Is time-consuming
These characteristics will make it difficult for someone to focus on their recovery and only worsen the situation. 

What You Can Do to Repair Old Relationships

Addiction can strain even the strongest relationships. It can cause conflict, distance, and mistrust between friends and loved ones. Recovery from addiction is a complicated process, but it can also be an opportunity to repair relationships and rebuild trust. Here are a few ways to keep your relationships strong during addiction recovery:
  1. Be open and honest about your recovery: It’s essential to be open and honest with your loved ones about your recovery — this will help them understand what you’re going through and how they can support you.
  2. Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is vital for maintaining healthy relationships; this may mean limiting contact with certain people or avoiding certain situations that could trigger a relapse.
  3. Attend support groups: Support groups can provide a sense of community and help you stay accountable in your recovery. They can also be a great source of support for your loved ones, as they can learn from others who have been through similar experiences.
  4. Communicate openly and honestly: Open and honest communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships. Open communication means listening to your loved ones and being willing to talk about your feelings and concerns.
  5. Seek professional help: If you or your loved ones are struggling to cope with the effects of addiction, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support for you and your loved ones.
The key to keeping relationships strong during addiction recovery is being open, honest, and willing to seek help. By taking these steps, you can work towards rebuilding trust and strengthening your relationships.

Establishing a Healthy Relationship With Yourself

Healthy relationships with others are a great start, but ultimately you’ll need to have a healthy relationship with yourself if you want your recovery to go smoothly.  Having a healthy relationship with yourself is an essential aspect of overall well-being. It involves taking care of your physical and mental health, setting boundaries, and treating yourself with kindness and respect.  Some ways to establish a healthy relationship with yourself include:
  1. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health by engaging in activities that nourish and support you. These activities include exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating well, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Engaging in your favorite hobbies is another way to prioritize self-care.
  2. Set boundaries: Set limits with others to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Setting boundaries might involve saying no to unreasonable requests or conflict with your values and setting boundaries around your personal space and privacy.
  3. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, especially in challenging situations. Self-compassion might involve talking to yourself in a supportive and encouraging way and acknowledging and accepting your imperfections.
  4. Pursue personal growth: Engage in activities and experiences that challenge and stretch you and help you learn and grow. These activities involve taking on new responsibilities, learning new skills, or pursuing a personal passion or interest.
Establishing a healthy relationship with yourself involves making yourself a priority, setting boundaries, and being kind and supportive towards yourself. Doing these things can foster a positive relationship with yourself that supports your overall well-being and makes your addiction recovery journey more manageable.

Move Forward With Ardu Recovery Center 

There’s no shame in seeking help with drug addiction. While building strong support groups and maintaining healthy relationships is a great way to navigate the recovery journey, sometimes you need a little help from trained professionals.  If you’re ready to take the next steps in your recovery, contact us at Ardu Recovery Center. Our Provo, Utah, facilities offer various programs and treatments to help individuals overcome addiction in healthy and effective ways. Give us a call at 801-872-8480 or fill out our online form today. 
Brandon Okey

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

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