Addiction is a multifaceted disease that affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their loved ones. While under the influence, the individual may act in ways that hurt the feelings of those close to them, leading to strained relationships and broken trust.
While addiction recovery is a journey primarily for the person in recovery, it is also an opportunity to heal and rebuild relationships with loved ones. However, restoring trust and repairing the damage caused by addiction is a challenging task that requires dedication and effort, even after completing a treatment program. It takes time to rebuild trust, but it is possible by taking the necessary steps in recovery.
If you are recovering from addiction or your loved one is, you will know how hard it is to repair relationships. You can look into this guide to learn how to make amends with loved ones and rebuild the trust bruised during addiction.
Stay Sober
Staying sober is the primary and most important step in rebuilding a relationship during recovery. By staying sober, you are proving that you are trying your best to refrain from using the substance.
Individuals with substance use disorders risk breaking the trust they have been striving to establish in case of a relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on the self-improvement required to remain sober. The methods for achieving this may involve:
- Attending all the therapy sessions without a break
- Attending support groups
- Following a 12-step program
- Taking prescribed medications
- Participating in sober activities
If you feel you are going through a relapse, it is best to check into an addiction treatment center. Receiving addiction treatment is a brave and challenging decision, and it’s important to remember that there is no shame in returning to treatment if necessary.
Today, many reputable treatment centers, along with treating addiction and subsequent mental health disorders, are recognizing the significance of addressing family dynamics during the addiction recovery process. You can look into Rehab Near Me to find the best treatment centers to help heal family relationships. These treatment centers provide family therapy sessions that address issues that have arisen due to addiction and encourage clients to engage in family activities during their recovery journey. This allows clients to rebuild trust and strengthen their relationships with their loved ones in a healthy and supportive environment.
Remember that returning to rehab should not be viewed as a failure but as a proactive step toward continued healing and recovery.
Take complete responsibility for your actions.
Take full responsibility for your actions if you want to earn the trust of your loved ones. It is essential to acknowledge the damage caused and take accountability for it. Blaming others or making excuses will only damage the relationship further. Instead, be willing to accept the consequences of your actions and express genuine remorse to those you have hurt.
Respect boundaries
At times, though you are ready to start rebuilding your relationships, the people you care about might not be ready. It’s important to acknowledge that your words or actions during addiction may have deeply hurt your loved ones, making it difficult for them to trust you and work on repairing the relationship. So, if your loved ones are not yet ready to meet with you, trust you or extend their hand in friendship, it is important to respect their boundaries.
Trying to force yourself on them or explaining that things have changed since you entered recovery could harm your chances of repairing the relationship. Allowing them the space and time to heal and make their own decisions is essential.
Let your loved ones know that you are committed to working on yourself, are sincerely sorry for everything you did, and are willing to do anything to earn their trust back.
Learn to have healthy and Honest Communication.
To repair strained relationships during addiction, it is important to have open and honest communication. This involves expressing your thoughts and feelings but also actively listening to the perspectives of your loved ones. It can be helpful to approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to acknowledge any harm that may have been caused in the past. Through effective communication and a commitment to repairing the damage, it is possible to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships.
Make amends
It is important to take responsibility for your past actions at the appropriate time by making amends. Making amends involves more than just apologizing; it involves acknowledging your past behaviors and attempting to rectify them. For instance, if you caused damage to someone’s property while in the grip of addiction, you can offer to repair or replace it. If you borrowed money and failed to repay it, making amends includes repaying the debt.
Making amends is a powerful way to regain trust, as it demonstrates a sincere apology and a sense of accountability and commitment to setting things right. This gesture can help rebuild relationships and showcase a willingness to move forward with a sense of responsibility and determination.
Rebuilding Trust: Guide To Healing Relationships Damaged By Addiction
Remember that the road to recovery is a long journey, and it is natural that you experience struggles to rebuild trust. But it’s important not to give up hope. Keep working on your recovery and seeking support, and with time and effort, you can rebuild healthy and fulfilling relationships with your loved ones. Ultimately, the effort to repair and strengthen these relationships is worth it, as having a support system can be vital to long-term recovery success.
