How to Repair Broken Relationships Stemming From Addiction
Unfortunately, addiction and relationships often do not mix well together.
One major side effect of drug or alcohol addiction is a strain on loved ones. Drugs and alcohol can change your behavior and lead you to tell lies, push people away, and even steal from those closest to you. After some time as an addict, tension may arise with your spouse, and families could be torn apart. If left unaddressed, lines in the sand can grow deeper, diminishing the likelihood of salvaging the relationship. At Banyan Chicago, we provide some insight into how to repair broken relationships in addiction recovery.
The Danger of Addiction in Relationships
When one person in a relationship repeatedly abuses alcohol or drugs, it will begin to chip away at the foundations you and your loved one have developed. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or romantic partner, addiction doesn't just affect the person suffering from it.
There are a variety of signs that can point to addiction in this context, including:
- Dishonesty: The shame, guilt, and fear associated with addiction make it likely that the affected partner won’t want to draw attention to their bad habits. This means that they may be inclined to lie about a number of factors, including who they are with, what they are doing, how they are spending money, and similar.
- Resentment: Lying and secrecy are some of the most destructive threats to a relationship, so it is understandable that feelings of anger and frustration may arise. Sadly, this can make way for another behavior that is far more dangerous than hurtful feelings.
- Violence: With growing frustrations, it is much more likely that one or both partners will resort to domestic violence. From here, issues like run-ins with the law and trauma become a threat. This is what makes addiction and relationships such a volatile pair.
- Enablement: It is not uncommon for one party to attempt to appease another by providing them with their drug of choice. While it may seem effective at keeping the peace, this is only a temporary solution to a much larger problem and can even begin to exacerbate the addiction.
A Guide to Repairing Relationships in Recovery at Banyan
First and foremost, you must recognize that you have a problem and work on yourself. You cannot begin to repair relationships broken by addiction until you first begin to change yourself, especially if you also suffer from a mental disorder and require dual diagnosis treatment. These relationships cannot be properly fixed while you still struggle with addiction. Once you accept that you need professional help like that offered at our Chicago drug rehab, you can begin to work on repairing your broken relationships during the recovery process.
Part of the 12-Step program is making amends with people you have hurt as a result of your substance abuse. When repairing relationships after addiction, it is imperative that you recognize your wrongdoings in these situations. Once you realize where you have faltered, you will not only grow as a person, but you will also be able to provide your loved ones with a sincere and honest apology. At our rehab in Chicago, we offer Illinois addiction treatment programs that can make this healing possible.
It is also important for loved ones to go to therapy together. As part of our substance abuse treatment programs in Naperville, we also offer family and couples therapy so that you can take steps to rebuild the relationships that mean the most to you. Therapy allows everyone to speak freely in a safe environment. Your family and/or your spouse may develop a better understanding of addiction and will be able to voice all of their feelings on the matter, an option you probably did not give them before entering treatment. Together you can learn the best way to move forward.
Finally, while recovery gives you a good foundation on which to rebuild your relationship, earning someone’s trust again is a long process. Make sure you put effort into your relationships so that they will continue to get stronger long after you leave our facility. You do not want to walk through life alone. At Chicago addiction treatment center, we offer a series of programs and therapies to help you not only overcome your addiction but also to help guide you in the direction of a happier and fuller life surrounded by people who care about you.
Call our treatment centers in Illinois at 888-280-4763 today to learn how we can help you address the addiction and relationships in your life.
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