Relationships are a crucial component of recovery. Everyone needs support. Everyone needs people with whom they feel like they are equal.
However, after treatment, you may realize that you have prior relationships with people that are just not healthy for you anymore. Maybe they were someone you participated in risky behaviors with. Or perhaps they struggle with accepting the boundaries you now have in place for your safety. Whatever the reason may be, learning how to separate yourself from an unhealthy relationship is a great skill to have.
Recovery is a process filled with learning and discovery. As with anything in life, it can take time to learn skills and put them into practice. If you find yourself struggling to decipher which relationships are healthy versus unhealthy, that is a great time to reach out to a mental health professional. Knowing when to reach out for support is essential. If you are beginning to analyze the relationships in your life, here are a few tips to end unhealthy relationships.
Make a Commitment to Yourself
Ending a relationship, whether it be a romance, a friendship, work-related, or another type, can be complicated. We become comfortable in relationships, even when they are unhealthy. Just like a routine, we become accustomed to having that person fill in a specific part of our lives, and it can be unsettling to think about them not in that area anymore.
If you have deemed a relationship unhealthy, then commit to yourself to end it in a healthy manner and stick with that commitment. You have already made a significant commitment to yourself the day you sought treatment for your addiction. You worked incredibly hard to better understand your mental health issues and learn the skills and tools necessary to live a healthier lifestyle.
While in recovery, you will need to keep that ultimate commitment by making additional commitments to your health and lifestyle. The relationships you surround yourself with can directly impact your recovery. Make a commitment to yourself to only surround yourself with people who bring positivity and support to your life.
Have a Direct Conversation
Having a direct conversation about your thoughts and feelings regarding the relationship may cause you to feel frightened or uncomfortable. However, being direct and saying how you feel is a massive part of recovery.
If something is not suitable for your life, then it is worth standing up for your health and well-being. You may struggle with feeling bad or guilty about ending a relationship. It may feel as if you are mean or harsh.
However, your sobriety needs to be considered. You have worked hard to gain recovery, and nobody has the right to deter you from your journey or put your sobriety in jeopardy. You need to put your recovery first and stand up for yourself and your needs.
Lean On Your Support
Always try to stay closely connected with your support system. If you struggle to understand your relationships or simply need to talk through some situations, reach out to your loved ones. There is a good chance your loved ones have watched your journey and cheered you on every step of the way. They want to know how you are doing and what you are struggling with.
Almost everyone has been in situations where relationships turn unhealthy. Everyone has differing ideas, perspectives, and opinions. Take in what others have to say and think about how it connects with your own thoughts and perspectives. Ultimately though, you know what is best for your recovery.
It is important to remember to stay connected through recovery. You will continuously face new challenges. Some of these challenges will impact you more than others. Relationships tend to change and morph with time, just like you. Recovery is a time to rediscover who you are. When you change, you will realize that your relationships change as well.
Remember Your Goals
Goals are a significant part of recovery. Having goals to work towards can help you to keep moving forward toward your recovery. At times, unhealthy relationships can test your desire to reach your goals or even your recovery in general. Always remember what you are working towards and how hard you have worked in the past.
Having goals pertaining to your relationships can be one way to help you keep your relationships healthy. What do you expect from others in your life? What boundaries do you expect others to respect regarding your recovery and sobriety? Is there anything else you need from others in order to feel safe and comfortable?
Relationships are a critical aspect of life, and there are many reasons your relationships may turn unhealthy. Learning to place your recovery first is a massive part of recovery. Always try to stay connected to your support system, creating a space where you can talk freely and express your concerns. You can also try to speak directly to those with whom you are in an unhealthy relationship, particularly about what is not working in the relationship. Always keep your goals in mind, and remember what you have worked so hard for. Here at The Guest House, we have extensive experience in helping people obtain long-term recovery. We understand the different challenges you will face as you journey through sobriety. You do not need to face those challenges alone; we are here to help and support you. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about how we can support you on your recovery journey.