If there’s one thing that’s certain about any kind of addiction, it’s that it doesn’t only affect the addicted person, but their family and friends too. This isn’t a one-person battle – everyone around you is fighting for you, and some want you to get better.
It doesn’t matter how short or long your substance abuse has been going on because the damages are still the same. The people around you will refuse to trust you, and your relationships might be broken.
So how can you mend your relationships during your recovery period?
- Always take responsibility for your actions.
One of the important things you should do to mend your broken relationships is to take responsibility for your actions. We know that there could be people out there who could be in denial about how they’ve lived their lives, but this shouldn’t be the case.
Ensure that the time is right for you to have a dialogue or a conversation with a special person in your life, and keep in mind that it should feel safe for you too. Another thing is that you have to prepare yourself for disappointment because not everybody would react positively to these types of conversations. So you have to be open, and you have to know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Be honest with what you feel and how you’re doing.
Another thing that’s important when it comes to mending broken relationships is none other than honesty. You have to be willing to own up to the things you’ve done – especially those you’re not proud of. You have to be truthful with how you’re feeling and how the process has helped you see clearer.
If they want to know more about how you’re doing, it’s important to let them in – though, if you’re not ready for that kind of intimacy, that’s okay too. It’s important to bear in mind that mending relationships isn’t a quick process; it’s something that you build continually. This is why it’s important to be honest and tell the other party how you’re feeling.
- Try to nurture the relationship that you have.
Lastly, it’s important to follow through and follow up. It’s not enough that you’ve initiated a conversation. You must stay consistent and make them feel that they have a space in your life.
You can call people or invite them for a meal – this doesn’t have to be a daily thing. It just has to be consistent, so they don’t feel like you’re going back to the same rabbit hole again.
We believe that mending broken relationships is an integral part of life, which most addicts need to do.
If you’re ready to live a sober life and mend your broken relationships with your family and friends, reach out to us at Taylor Recovery Center. We’d be more than happy to help you in your journey towards sobriety.