While you were in active addiction, your life may have been a bit of a free-for-all where anything goes. Alcoholism or drug addiction took priority and everything else came after. You may have lost your sense of who you are and what you value, and relationships may have been damaged too. In active addiction it’s more difficult to have healthy relationships and interact with others in an effective way.
A drug rehabilitation program can help you to reorganize your life and your priorities. You’ll be able to address underlying issues that have contributed to your substance use and create new routines and patterns of thinking. With this comes setting healthy boundaries. These are beneficial not only for you, but for those around you as well. You have worked so hard to turn your life around that you want set yourself up for success when you leave the rehab center in Orange County. It is important to continue implementing what you have learned and create an environment that is conducive to your addiction recovery.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin setting boundaries in your life:
- Separate yourself from unhealthy relationships
Not everyone you know will be supportive of your recovery or will be a good influence. Recognize when it’s better to make the difficult choice of breaking off a relationship or friendship, at least for a while. You may also set boundaries as to when and where you will associate with certain people. Make sure that you are in an environment where you feel comfortable and one that will not trigger substance use. Perhaps there are friends you only hang out with in a group of people who support your sobriety.
- Listen to your instincts
You know yourself better than anyone. If you feel that something is a bad idea, it probably is. Before making any spur-of-the-moment decisions, take a few minutes to reflect and think things through. Consider how it fits with your new lifestyle and the values you’re trying to uphold. Will spending time with a certain person, going to a specific event, or engaging in an activity move you closer toward the life you’re seeking, or further away from your goals? Remember: You don’t have to agree to everything. It’s okay to put yourself and your own wellbeing first.
- Build your independence
When you come home from addiction rehab, family and friends will probably want to do whatever they can to help you succeed. They’ll be there to offer support and assistance as needed. Accepting help can be a good thing and allow you to slowly transition back into society and your responsibilities, but don’t become too complacent. Avoid the temptation to let others do things for you that you are more than capable of doing and should be doing for yourself. You need to learn to stand on your own two feet again, so start doing things on your own even if you struggle a bit. There will always be people who have your back, but don’t take advantage of their willingness to help. Empower yourself over your own recovery.
- Value yourself
Along the same lines as building your independence, make sure you value yourself in your recovery. Don’t settle for people who put you down or belittle your progress or goals. You have come a long way and you know what a difference recovery has made in your life. Speak up for yourself and share your thoughts and opinions even if they differ from someone else’s. Make your needs a priority and realize that you are worth it. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s what you need, especially in early recovery. You can still respect others and be a good parent, spouse, coworker, or friend without sacrificing your own wellbeing.
- Know your limits
Set expectations for how you want to be treated and how you will treat others. If people are not respectful of you or your choices, it may be time to move away from these relationships. Continue to build a support network of people who are accepting of your recovery and motivate you to keep pushing forward. Just because you have chosen a healthier path for your life doesn’t mean that those you actively used drugs or alcohol with in the past will choose the same for themselves. You can’t force them to change, but you don’t have to spend time with them either.
By setting healthy boundaries, you can support your own success in recovery and find others who are supportive as well. You can also limit your exposure to negative situations that may serve as triggers or increase your risk for relapse. Remember that you are deserving of another chance and recovery is possible if you work at it.
Chapters Capistrano can help you to work through the challenges you face with addiction and start your journey to recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Engage in diverse treatment and therapy options, explore new activities, and overcome addiction in a safe, supportive environment. Contact Chapters Capistrano today at 888-973-0230 to start building healthier boundaries in your life and promote recovery from addiction.
