A lot of times when people suffering from addiction go through rehabilitation and recovery, they have to make a lot of changes in their lives if they want to remain sober. One of the biggest is keeping people out of your life that is a bad influence that can potentially harm your sobriety.
When you get sober, the dynamics of your relationships change greatly, and now Insider has listed some ways you should approach being in a relationship with someone who is sober.
Keeping Away From Triggers
One of the most important things to remember when you’re in a relationship with someone in recovery is they need to stay away from triggers. People who are in recovery often have triggers that can plunge them into despair and make them want to use. (One of the biggest is being around alcohol and places where people are drinking and using drugs.)
As this article tells us, it’s important to know what your partner’s triggers are, and when they could be most vulnerable to a potential relapse. Some people can be triggered to use when things are going well, while many can be prone to use when they’re going through bad times. If you know what the triggers for your partner are, you’ll know what can potentially set them off, and be more supportive of them when they need help.
One of the most important triggers to avoid is drinking or using around your partner. Even being around alcohol can cause someone to relapse. As one doctor explains, “The biggest hurdle that a sober individual will face is a constant temptation for alcohol or drugs, so do not offer it to them. If you are not in recovery or do not have an issue with drugs and alcohol and want to imbibe, please do so without them present and keep it to a minimum.”
And one of the best ways to keep your partner away from temptation is coming up with different and fun ways to get together and have a good time without drinking. Stay away from clubs and bars, and try healthier alternatives like hiking and yoga.
Being in a Relationship With Someone in Recovery
Relationships can be very challenging, and when your partner is in recovery, it can make things even more complicated. One good piece of advice this article recommends is “don’t let [your partner’s] recovery be the sole focus of your relationship.”
One doctor explains that it’s not healthy to make your partner’s recovery the primary focus of your relationship. You’re with your partner for more than that, and it’s important to enjoy what else is good and healthy about the relationship.
Other important things you need to discuss with your sober partner and expectations in the relationship and boundaries. These are of course important things to talk about in any relationship, but with your partner trying to remain sober, these discussions can be even more critical to the long-term health of your partner, and your relationship together.
And in any relationship, whether your partner is in recovery or not, one of the most important things is respect. Respect their reasons for getting sober. Respect their boundaries. Respect their feelings. It may be a challenge to be in a relationship with someone in recovery, but it can also be incredibly rewarding as you grow together, understand each other more in-depth, and take steps to get healthier in life.
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