Will Outpatient Rehab Programs Help Me Mend My Broken Relationships?

When you think about the ill-effects of addiction, what comes to mind? Some people may think that addiction only affects the person who’s using, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Addiction has a funny way to convincing the user and everyone around them that things aren’t really as they seem. At first, everything seems okay and the user is able to continue living normally. But as their addiction grows, it becomes something different.

Impact of Addiction

Addiction can engulf the user, their family and every aspect of their life, spreading like wildfire. What started as a spark quickly becomes a raging, out of control fire that is hard to extinguish. And once you make the decision to get clean, one of the first things you may feel is regret; regret about all the things you said and did when you were using.

While it’s true addiction can destroy relationships, sometimes beyond repair, outpatient rehab can help with the healing process.

Learning How to Live Again

Regardless of vice, people change when they’re using. Oftentimes, friends and family members see changes in the user, which is usually the first clue that something is amiss.

Addiction causes users to act completely different than their real personality. Mild-mannered people may become angry, agitated or even volatile when they’re using. Someone who is actively using may resort to lying and stealing to afford drugs or alcohol. They also start to manipulate situations in order to continue using without getting caught.

As the loved one of the user, your first inclination is to step in and save them. You want to help them stop using and return to living. But in the height of someone’s addiction, learning how to live again may seem impossible.

Proper Communication

When it comes to overcoming an addiction, communication is key. Before going into rehab, most of what people say to you ends up going in one ear and out the other. During the initial treatment, you will learn ways to communicate with others properly and effectively. There are two sides to effective communication; talking and listening. Anyone can talk, but chances are you tuned them out by indulging your addiction. Rehab will help you overcome this bad habit.

Be Realistic

It’s natural to be proud and feel accomplished for staying sober. However, it’s important to take a realistic approach to this. Although you have a great deal to be proud of, you need to stay realistic. Fully overcoming your addiction takes time and dedication. It’s not something that happens over night/

Repair Relationships

The relationship you have with your friends is different than the one you have with your spouse and other family members. While all of them are built on trust, the interpersonal communication and expectations of each do vary.

Friends

Due to your addiction, the relationship you have with your friends may be damaged, but it’s not irreparable. But before you can do so, there’s one thing you need to take care of; get rid of the toxic relationships. Some people who you’ve considered friends may have allowed your addiction to progress.

You’ll need to cut ties with them immediately and search out the ones who tried to stop you. Those are the people you want to keep in touch with. Once you do, all it takes is a simple apology. Granted, you might have to earn their trust back, and you can do that by keeping yourself sober.

Parents

No matter what happens, your parents are the people who will always have your back. You may feel guilty for abusing their trust and using the money they gave you as a way to fuel your addiction. Your parents may feel hurt and betrayed, but their desire to help you is how you can show them that they can trust you again.

Spouse

If you have a spouse, chances are you’ve been making up a whole web of lies just to satisfy the urge. Finding out you have an addiction is not a pleasant experience for your partner as they will eventually catch on to your lies. Addictions are known for ruining relationships, especially marriages.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t undo the damage. Granted, you have a long road ahead to gain your spouse’s trust. The first step is coming clean about everything you’ve been keeping a secret. Your partner will most likely set up a few new ground rules about how you can earn back their trust. Call a counselor at 844-639-8371.

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