But seeking treatment for an addiction might be the best decision your partner could make for your relationship. Many people seeking help for substance use benefit from a combination of addiction treatment services.1 A significant part of early recovery is putting a stable support system in place. Having a solid support system in recovery can be a crucial element of a successful relapse prevention plan.

Healthy relationships allow for people to establish boundaries, so everyone feels safe. Trust establishes respectful vulnerability allowing for the relationship to progress in a healthy manner. If someone recovering from addiction does not trust their partner, they may hide progress of sobriety from their partner, or feel they cannot be vulnerable about their sobriety. They are needed to create deep bonds, for companionship, and to provide the needed emotional support needed to thrive post-rehab.

Find Support for Your Recovery

That makes the process of relationship recovery pretty abstract for people who aren’t engaged with couple or family therapy. Many addiction treatment services encourage building a social support network with as many https://ecosoberhouse.com/ types of relationships as possible. For example, you can process different aspects of your recovery in addiction support groups and with a therapist that you may feel comfortable talking about with your family.

But pain—both emotional and physical—is an inevitable aspect of life. The process of recovery requires learning how to accept and go through the pain that life brings you. Part of this process is accepting that repairing the damage your addiction has done to your relationships will only happen gradually over time—based on what you do rather than what you say. The saying “actions speak louder than words” is especially accurate related to recovery. In addition, ongoing treatment can be helpful for developing coping and communication skills. Following an aftercare or relapse prevention plan will communicate to your loved one that you’re committed to maintaining a sober life.

Tips for Overcoming Relationship Challenges in Recovery:

People who are abusing drugs or alcohol are often unreliable, break promises, and neglect responsibilities. Don’t become angry or frustrated if your loved one is hesitant to trust you. In some cases, the damage may be too severe to fix, and you may need to learn to accept that. SAMHSA is committed to addressing these health disparities by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support programs.

In this situation, the person experiencing mental illness cannot contribute to or make suggestions for their healthcare plan until their symptoms are addressed. Appreciate the progress in your relationship and don’t expect perfection out of yourself or your partner. It’s a good idea to talk about your “love language” with your partner upfront. And perhaps your boyfriend or girlfriend is someone who appreciates words of affirmation. With both people on the same page, you can figure out a way to best support your partner and know what to expect when you want to express your love. Make sure you contemplate what you are about to say rather than blurting out the first thought that comes to mind.

Encourage your loved one to engage with support groups if appropriate

Boundaries are meant to strengthen the connection between you and your partner, not punish them. Simply put, you need to explore your new life in recovery alone, relationships in recovery find your passions, and be confident in who you are before dating another person. Building a support system that works for you may feel overwhelming at first.