How Will Relationships Change in Recovery
Relationships can be difficult even in the best of circumstances and during recovery, this can also be true. Relationships with friends, co-workers, family members, or other partners have probably changed since the addiction started but now that you are in recovery, relationships will need time to adjust.
As you begin your path to recovery, there may be relationships that end. One reason for this is that these friends are still in their addiction and may jeopardize your recovery efforts. It might be a good idea to steer clear of these friends even though that may seem difficult at first. If you have a family member that is still using drugs or alcohol, you might want to consider limiting contact with them. Your recovery should never be at risk.
If you are married or have a boyfriend or girlfriend that is still using drugs or alcohol, you might want to re-think the relationship. Again, your recovery should never be at risk. Many relationships end when one decides to get help and the other does not. Maybe in the future the partner who is still using will decide to get help; however, that cannot be your concern. You need to follow your recovery path regardless of whether someone else does or not. Relationships with co-workers might also change. You might decide not to disclose your addiction and recovery with those you work with, which is okay. If you do decide to disclose, you might find that there are others in recovery and possibly new friendships can be formed.
Recovery involves lifestyle changes including developing relationships with others that are positive and which support your recovery. Sometimes it can be difficult to sever friendships during recovery; however, you will have opportunities to develop new relationships. You may meet someone at a 12-step meeting or strengthen an existing relationship with a partner or family member.
An important part of recovery is understanding that friends and family members might have issues with trusting you. Some relationships may end simply because of the hurt experienced by the family member or friend. Trust is usually the first thing to be affected in a relationship, and the last to get back. If you have friends or family members that you want to have in your life during recovery, remember that trust is not easily restored. Over time and with continued recovery, family members will slowly begin to trust again but it will take patience.
