The recovery process opens our eyes to necessary and painful transformations that need to take place. We may find ourselves addressing and modifying our behaviors, our lifestyle, and who we associate with, as we let go of addictive substances and heal from destructive patterns. In addition to these changes, it may become clear that we […]
relationships
Love in Addiction: The Importance of Protecting Yourself if Someone You Love Is Using
It is devastating to love someone who becomes addicted. The feelings of powerlessness, rage, hopelessness, heartbreak, despair can feel so overwhelming. For many relationships it can feel impossible to know what to do when staying is destructive but walking away feels wrong. If you are unsure of what to do, that’s okay. The most important […]
Recovery, Romance, and Relationships
Someone new to recovery might hear others with long-term sobriety in 12-Step meetings advise others to avoid dating until they have been sober for one full year. Where does this suggestion come from? It’s not found in any 12-Step text, in fact, the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous is noticeably limited in its discussion, dedicating […]
Substance Use and The Fight with Intimacy
Those with substance use disorders often struggle with personal relationships. One study concluded that for a number of reasons, those with substance use disorder avoid intimacy out of fear due to negative experiences of attachment to others. It is often said that the opposite of addiction is connection, and those struggling with substance use disorder […]
The Invisible Line Between Support and Enabling
If a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder it is a painful experience that often leaves you feeling powerless. You may instinctually want to fix things and may have the core belief that you can love them through to the other side where they will surrender and ask for help. Substance use disorder […]
Never Forget Where We Met
The relationships we build in treatment and later in recovery can become some of the most cherished ones we have ever had. Often we are brought closer to our truest selves and can experience safety and acceptance while being vulnerable as we identify closely with those we connect to. As we navigate life’s challenges with […]