Healthy relationships form the foundation of any person’s life, particularly in recovery. All areas of a person’s life can be influenced by the people and relationships which exist in an individual’s life. Replacing unhealthy relationships with healthy ones is a necessary, but challenging, task. Strong, healthy relationships in recovery can bring fullness and meaning into a person’s journey for a long time to come.
Unhealthy Versus Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships in recovery are only possible when a person stops using drugs or alcohol. It may be hard for a person to see what is healthy and what is not after being used to an unhealthy way of living for such an extended period of time. Some things to look for in unhealthy relationships may include:
- Abuse
- Dishonesty
- Disrespect
- Fear
- Inconsistency
- Manipulation
- Resentment
- Secrecy
- Selfishness
- Shame
- Unresolved conflicts
Healthy relationships, on the other hand will look entirely different from an unhealthy one. They may include:
- Affirmations
- Caring
- Consistency
- Honesty
- Individual growth
- Mutual sharing and support
- Open communication
- Respect
- Trust
Family Relationships
A family who is healthy together is more likely to stay connected and supportive throughout recovery. Families are always impacted by addiction. When addiction exists in a family, tension may rise between family members and tear apart the fabric of the family unit. The person with addiction will hurt other people to varying degrees but the relationship may be so damaged it is beyond repair. Damaging relationships are often painful to face in recovery.
Strengthening Relationships
While it is possible to have healthy relationships in recovery, the relationships can be strengthened and healed over time when every person in the family takes responsibility for the health of the relationship. Four siple things which go a long way to healing broken relationships include:
- Allowing honest expression of thoughts and feelings
- Constant affirmation and showing of appreciation for the other person
- Doing positive, fun things together
- Listening attentively to what the other person has to say
The more healthy relationships are allowed to build and grow in recovery, the easier it is to maintain these kinds of relationships for the long haul. Recovery itself is strengthened by the power and strength of people who surround the individual with addiction. Finding a support circle, in this sense, may be one of the most important things a person can do for oneself in recovery.
Hired Power believes in the ability of relationships to strengthen a person’s recovery. Family and friends are a great support network for the journey. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call us at 800.910.9299. We can help you get started building a healthier lifestyle, free of drugs and alcohol.
