When it comes to repairing the relationships within your family while going through recovery from addiction, it can be a very difficult process, but it is one that is completely worth it.

Achieving sobriety after addiction is not only a major life accomplishment, but it’s also an opportunity to repair damaged family relationships that may have been put through the wringer during the course of your struggles with addiction.

With the right tools, you and your loved ones can repair relationships that you may have thought were permanently broken due to your addiction. Once you are able to master the art of forgiveness, healing and gratitude, you will be able to help others on their own journey to recovery as well. 

Here are some ways to help repair family relationships during addiction recovery:

Acknowledge That You Have a Problem

The first step to overcoming your addiction is coming to terms with your inner self and the reality of your current situation. If you have an addiction, there is always hope and speaking to professionals in the field of recovery, like the ones at North Jersey Recovery Center, can be a tremendous help. It is common for individuals who are struggling with addiction to be unable to see how their addiction is affecting not only themselves, but their loved ones as well.

The truth is, when there is addiction present within a family unit, it can hurt all members of that family. One of the best ways to repair a broken family during addiction recovery is when the individual or individuals who are struggling with the addiction, acknowledge that they have a problem and are committed to fixing it. 

It’s important to be honest with your loved ones about the nature of the problem and how they can help you recover from it. It is crucial for them to know what caused the damage so they will understand why you need their support. 

One of the most important aspects of repairing family relationships during addiction recovery involves letting go of resentments. Here is a helpful exercise you can use to let go of resentment: Write down all your resentments on a piece of paper or in a Word document, numbering them as you go. 

Then take turns with someone else on your list and explain each resentment in detail while he or she listens empathetically without interrupting or trying to fix anything; don’t judge, question or lecture anyone but yourself! 

When you’re finished talking about one resentment, hand over the next one for discussion without continuing where you left off. Keep going until all resentments have been discussed one at a time.

Seek Professional Help

Having a family member who is struggling with addiction can be difficult for the individual experiencing it, as well as for the family who is witnessing it. It is not uncommon for family members to experience anxiety, depression, or even stress during this situation.

Seeking the help of professionals can greatly assist and repair the relationships within the family unit. Having an unbiased third party present, who is also a trained expert in this field, can help families work on building a stronger bond together.

When your loved one is ready to get help for their addiction, there are many different types of treatment options available. Some of which include: residential treatment programs, outpatient counseling, support groups and many more. Choosing the right option for you and your loved one takes time and research. Remember that recovery is always worth it!

Attend Family Therapy

Family therapy is a helpful way to repair relationships that have been affected by addiction. Addicts often feel immense guilt and shame, which can make it difficult for them to show up at family therapy sessions. 

However, this is where they need the most help, so be patient and supportive when it comes time for your loved one to attend family therapy or family support groups.

There are a number of resources and support groups available to people going through similar situations and being able to relate to others during hard times can help you feel less alone. For instance, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can be a great place for individuals and their families who want an open dialogue about addiction. 

These therapy sessions can provide a safe space where people can share their stories and offer support to one another. It’s also important to remember not to blame anyone in particular for the addiction, as blaming each other only damages the family relationships even more.

Participate in a Support Group

In order to repair broken family relationships, there are a few things that can be done. One of the most important is to attend support groups. 

Joining a support group will help you connect with other people who have been in the same situation as you. It’s also an opportunity for you and your family members to be on the same page in hopes of gaining a better understanding of each other. 

This may seem difficult because it means talking about what happened and what each person is feeling and why, but this can actually be a very therapeutic technique.

It will also give each person in the family an opportunity to share their own thoughts and feelings without being interrupted or judged by anyone else in the group.

Spend Time with Sober Friends and Family Members

Addiction can feel like a solitary disorder, but it’s important that your family members and friends also have time with you during recovery. 

Spending time with people who are sober will remind your loved ones that you’re still the same person they’ve always known and loved. 

A great way to spend some time with them is by going out for coffee or lunch or having a movie night at their house. Also, picking up a new hobby or activity with a loved one is a great way to reestablish the connection and allow them to see you in a different, more positive light.

Providing an Open and Honest Space for Individuals and Their Families to Heal From Addiction at North Jersey Recovery Center

If you are struggling with addiction, let go of the feelings of shame and guilt. You can’t change the past, but you can change your outlook on it. 

Always keep an open mind. The person who is in recovery may not be the same person they were before addiction took over their life, so keep an open mind and listen to what they have to say. 

A recovering addict needs honesty from their family members just as much as anyone else does in their life, so don’t lie or hold things back from them for fear that it will hurt them or make them relapse. 

To learn more about repairing broken family relationships during recovery, contact our experienced counselors at North Jersey Recovery Center today!