Cultivating Healthy Relationships
There are many important components to long-term recovery. When you think of long-term recovery, you may think of working on a program of recovery, having healthy hobbies, and maybe becoming a volunteer or mentor. All of those are important, but one of the most vital pieces of maintaining recovery is cultivating healthy relationships. When you have strong and healthy relationships in recovery, you build a solid support network that helps you weather any storm in your life.
This article outlines the importance of cultivating healthy relationships in recovery. You will also learn the important components of healthy relationships and tips on how to strengthen your relationships in recovery. If you are in need of professional help to deal with your addiction, call Parkdale Center toll-free today. Our Indiana drug rehab offers evidence-based treatment designed specifically for working professionals. Call us today and restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Defining Healthy Relationships
How do you define a healthy relationship? Do you know what a healthy relationship looks like? In simple terms, healthy relationships are based on honesty, open communication, and trust. When people have healthy relationships, there is no imbalance of power. Ultimately, healthy relationships involve a strong sense of compromise and effort from both parties.
When it comes to building healthy relationships, there are five important components, often known as the “Five As:”
- Attention: being aware of others and ourselves. Attention means being in tune with what we feel and the feelings of others.
- Acceptance: acceptance means being seen with love, mercy, and kindness. Being accepted and being accepting in relationships means you love others and feel loved.
- Appreciation: acknowledging our gratitude and what others do for us and mean to us.
- Affection: creating feelings of warmth, connection, intimacy, and safety.
- Allowing: simply allowing yourself to be who you are and allowing others to be who they are.
Tips On Cultivating Healthy Relationships In Recovery
When you are in recovery, the ability to nurture healthy relationships is important. The relationships you have with yourself and others provide a solid foundation to build your sobriety. The following are simple yet effective tips you can use to cultivate healthy relationships in your recovery:
Embrace Your True Self
While it is important to accept and embrace the uniqueness of others, you must also take time to embrace who you are and stay true to you. There is a reason why people like you; just keep on being you. When you fall short or make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up over it. The journey to knowing your true self is a lifelong adventure–enjoy the ride!
Practice Empathy
Another important aspect of building healthy relationships is practicing empathy. Empathy simply means putting yourself in another’s shoes and understanding what they may feel. Everybody’s journey is different, and what you may be able to handle may be difficult for a friend or loved one.
Constant Communication
If there are misunderstandings or confusion, you need to have open communication with others. If issues arise, you, a loved one, or a friend need to step up and talk about what is going on before the situation gets out of control.
Set Boundaries
If you look across all healthy relationships, a common denominator is having healthy boundaries. When setting boundaries you need to be clear of what is and isn’t comfortable for you. Likewise, you also need to be aware of what makes other people comfortable or uncomfortable.
The Time to Find Long-Term Recovery Is Today: Call Parkdale Center
If you are struggling with substance abuse, finding recovery is a top priority. While you are committed to achieving that goal, you may be unsure of where to go. Parkdale Center is one of Indiana’s premier facilities offering drug and alcohol rehab for professionals. Our treatment programs and services are geared toward the unique needs of the working professional. We offer multiple levels of care, evidence-based programs, and experienced and compassionate staff who will be with you every step of the way during your Indiana addiction treatment journey.
Don’t wait another day to address your addiction and mental health issues; call Parkdale Center toll-free right now and blaze your trail toward happiness and health.