Steps taken to repair relationships differ, and these often vary depending on how a relationship was damaged by addiction. In some cases, parents and relatives reach out once their loved one gets clean, but in other cases, it can be difficult for them especially if they are convinced it won’t last. While programs such as the Steps Recovery Centers’ inpatient service can be helpful when it comes to rebuilding relationships, it’s imperative to also know how best you can maneuver this journey as an individual. This article offers a guide to 5 factors you can consider to heal the damage of addiction.
1. Coming to Terms with the Past
One way to heal the damage that addiction has caused is to get in touch with the people who broke off ties with you. In most cases, facing the people you’ve wronged during your addiction phase can be difficult. Communicating and telling them how you feel can go a long way in helping them acknowledge your sincerity. It is through such communication that you’ll be in a position to address the root problems and overcome the rift created by addiction.
2. Patience
Early in recovery, family members may distance themselves emotionally to avoid getting hurt further. If you feel like your loved ones aren’t receptive enough, don’t be discouraged. It’s essential to acknowledge the fact that trust may take time to rebuild, hence patience becomes a crucial virtue. With time, they’ll see that you were honest in your effort to rebuild a relationship with them.
3. Acceptance of Change
Another hurdle you may need to overcome is accepting the fact that relationships are bound to change during addiction. Therefore, you need to accept the fact that things may never go back to what they used to be. In recovery, new relationships and new trust are established which may differ from those you were accustomed to. For that reason, you should accept the fact that your loved ones may be relearning the relationship and putting boundaries to give themselves ample time to support your recovery.
4. Therapy and Counseling
While individual efforts may go a long in healing the damage from addiction, you may want to seek therapy and counseling to address the underlying issue which may have led to your addiction. More often than not, therapy offers a safe space for exploring your emotions and establishing coping mechanisms.
5. Self-care and Mindfulness
Healing from addiction requires one to leverage self-care and mindfulness. Promoting self-care activities and practicing techniques of relaxation can go a long way in helping you to reconnect with yourself and find the joy that you have been craving for a long time. Practicing meditation and breathing exercises can eliminate stress and promote well-being.
Final Word
Healing the damage of addiction requires a lot of patience. In addition to the efforts you put in as an individual, you can seek professional assistance to reestablish the love and trust you have lost as a result of addiction. Also, professional assistance can enable you to solve the underlying issues that may have led to your addiction.
