Many people focus primarily on their addiction-related behaviors, thoughts, and feelings during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Addressing non-critical relationship issues may not feel like a high priority. It’s common to avoid dealing with relationship conflicts and tensions until after treatment. Regardless of when it happens, these issues should be addressed because relationships affect sobriety. According to Social Work in Public Health, “The family context holds information about how SUDs develop, are maintained, and what can positively or negatively influence the treatment of the disorder.” The Guest House encourages alumni and their families to continue the work of healing relationships post-treatment. Alumni services, family therapy, individual therapy, and self-help groups provide excellent support for individuals who are navigating relationship issues in recovery.
Do Unhealthy Relationships Contribute to Substance Use Disorder?
Codependency and other unhealthy relationship dynamics contribute to the development of SUD and other maladaptive coping behaviors. Sometimes, people abuse alcohol or drugs to manage the emotional pain caused by unhealthy relationships. Addressing relationship issues through family therapy reduces the risk of relapse by addressing the root causes of addiction.
Unhealthy relationships contribute to SUD and complicate ongoing recovery by doing the following:
- Enabling self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse
- Causing negativity and reinforcing harmful behaviors
- Undermining self-esteem and self-confidence
- Isolating individuals from positive communities and influences
- Increasing stress and anxiety
- Overriding personal boundaries
- Causing guilt and shame
- Encouraging codependent behaviors
Alumni without nurturing and positive relationships may experience more complications and setbacks. Developing healthy support networks can help those individuals maintain sobriety and overcome challenges during ongoing recovery. The Guest House encourages alumni and their loved ones to attend family therapy and other support services to improve relationships and find ways to heal together.
Healing Relationships in Post-Recovery
Individuals in post-recovery may have relationship dynamics that negatively impact their ongoing healing journey. Addressing these relationship issues can strengthen families and improve treatment outcomes.
Families in post-recovery may find it helpful to do the following:
- Attend community-based self-help groups for families and friends of individuals with SUD
- Participate in community events and workshops at The Guest House
- Attend family therapy and other forms of counseling
Families may have multiple generations of individuals living with unaddressed trauma, substance abuse, or mental health disorders. Treatment and support groups allow these families to heal together. Relationships cannot grow and heal if only one person works on their behaviors and thought patterns. Everyone needs to take an active role in supporting one another. Alumni benefit when their loved ones participate in activities, events, or counseling sessions to address relationship conflict or other issues.
The Impact of Treatment on Healing Relationships
Treatment programs and therapeutic support during aftercare significantly affect relationships by giving individuals and families the skills and tools to change their thoughts about themselves and others. Some people may not even realize that their relationships are causing them emotional pain until they have the opportunity to step back and analyze how their loved ones affect them.
Rehabilitation programs and alumni services at The Guest House play a critical role in repairing personal relationships by providing the following:
- Greater insight and self-reflection
- Access to therapists and family support specialists
- Opportunities to improve listening and communication skills
- Strategies to deescalate and resolve conflicts
- Family education on setting and respecting personal boundaries
- Strategies for regulating emotions and managing stressful interactions
- Opportunities for family members to take an active role in treatment and recovery
Families that heal together during treatment find healthier ways to navigate ongoing recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “family-focused interventions encourage family members to motivate each other to make important lifestyle changes, including shifts away from alcohol and drug misuse.” The good news is that alumni can take advantage of the family support services at The Guest House.
Changes in Relationships Impact Mental Health
People often notice a significant difference in their mental health after addressing relationship issues. Resolving interpersonal conflict and developing more meaningful connections does the following:
- Reduces stress and symptoms of mental health disorders
- Increases positivity and self-confidence
- Improves mood and emotion regulation
Alumni often report feeling more confident in their ability to manage challenges in ongoing recovery when they have the support of friends and loved ones. Relying on others to provide emotional and practical support can significantly reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in aftercare.
Healing Relationships Through Skills Learned at The Guest House
Essential skills equip alumni with the tools to navigate relationships and build healthy social connections. The Guest House teaches current clients and alumni crucial skills for managing relationships, including the following:
- Active listening
- Assertiveness
- Empathy and compassion
- Introspection and mindfulness
- Trust-building
These skills bring people closer, improve overall wellness, and increase confidence.
The Power of Repairing and Strengthening Relationships
Repairing rifts and creating deeper bonds can help people build a more fulfilling life. Overcoming differences and healing from the emotional pain caused by past conflicts increases resilience and motivates alumni to continue healing.
Everyone has different needs and expectations in their relationships. Identifying and addressing those needs can provide people with the support they need to move forward together. The Guest House encourages the friends and family of alumni to actively engage in the sober community and play a role in their loved one’s ongoing recovery.
Reconnecting with loved ones and healing relationships helps alumni regain trust and maintain accountability. Many families struggle to overcome conflicts and tension caused by the effects of chronic substance abuse. Individuals in recovery acknowledge their past behaviors and choose to make better decisions for themselves and those they love most. Family therapy and support services allow alumni and their family members to heal and grow together. The Guest House provides ongoing support to alumni, including referrals to family therapy or other forms of treatment to promote healthy family dynamics. To learn more about our services and programs, call us today at (855) 483-7800. We can help you address relationship issues using evidence-based and holistic therapies.