Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction HopeStep 9: Will They
Rebuilding Relationships
Rebuilding relationships that may have been damaged through an addiction is a complex process, particularly when trust has been broken and when one of more parties involved feels betrayed, hurt, and rejected.
While at the foundation of a relationship, there may be love and dedication through the ups and downs experienced through life and the journey of an addiction, the process of restoring a relationship that has been afflicted by poor decisions can be overwhelming.
As an addict who is recovering, a fundamental part of developing healthier coping mechanisms is learning to be honest with yourself and others.
While it can be difficult and even painful to revisit your past and aspects of your addiction that you may feel ashamed of, uncovering the hidden parts of your life can give you the opportunity to truly process and heal from your experiences.
It is not only important to be real and honest with yourself but to also communicate and share genuinely with those in your life who are closest to you.
Revealing Your Secrets
There is often underlying fears that may be faced when it comes time to reveal the things you have been hiding from others.
You may find yourself worried about confiding in someone who may potentially reveal your own insecurities publicly or to others that you do not wish to know.
When healing from addiction, it is important to confide in and rebuild relationships with those who care for you and have your best interest at heart.
Setting appropriate boundaries can also be helpful when discussing delicate and important matters with those you love.
Express when you wish something to remain within the family and the sensitive nature of what you are sharing.
Making the decision to make amends with others is an important step towards ultimately healing from your addiction.
If you find yourself struggling with fear or insecurity about what you are sharing, be sure to work with your therapist or counselor and discuss the concerns you might be experiencing.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Have you ever found yourself withholding the truth from loved ones due to fear of rejection? If so, how did you work through this situation? What is the importance of openness and honesty in addiction recovery?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 1, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com