Dealing with tiffs during recovery
Recovery is a challenging phase where a person grappling with addiction has to restart his or her life from the scratch. During this time, support from the partner or spouse matters a lot. The sober partner might feel deceived, aggrieved and hopeless. The recovering partner might feel overwhelmed due to the domestic responsibilities, kids, work pressure and much more. Thus, there are bound to be major and minor tiffs during the vulnerable period. However, if the indifferences are left unresolved, it can lead to not just strained relationships but might also trigger a relapse for the recovering individual.
By adopting a few strategies, one can resolve the tiffs and continue to support each other through thick and thin.
- Discussing, not fighting – Both the partners might be very sensitive during an early recovery phase and nursing grievances. To set the stage up for lifelong companionship, it is important that the pressing issues are resolved timely. Both the partners should fix a time in a week when both can comfortably talk about the problems, give an explanation and seek solution. It is equally important for the other partner to be a very good listener. Miscommunication may worsen the situation.
- Affirming the relationship – No matter how serious the matter is, one should understand that the tone, pitch and the choice of words could bridge the gap or widen the distance. One may consider starting the conversation like, “This relationship is extremely important to me but I hate it when you scream at me”. The recovering partner should understand that his or her partner misses spending time together and reciprocate feelings accordingly. One way of solving the problem is by taking the partner along for recovery meetings or helping him or her in daily activities.
- Forgiving each other – It is important for both the partners to forgive each other and nurture their relationship for good. Belittling the recovering person for his or her past actions can be detrimental to their health and self-esteem. Similarly, no matter what, the recovering partner should respect the needs of the sober partner and remember that they are suffering too.
- Spending quality time together – When the recovering partner returns from addiction treatment, it is important that the couple spends quality time together to revive their bond. They may indulge in activities, which amused them in the beginning of their relationship. Going for walk hand in hand, relooking at picture albums, watching movies, cooking together or dancing can help cement the relationship.
Maintaining balance between emotional and physical health
Relationships require consistent efforts and involvement from both sides. To support a person undergoing recovery from drugs or alcohol, it takes a lot of courage and understanding. Despite everything going well, the recovering partner may find the entire process overwhelming and be tempted to step back. It is important for the other partner to understand that relapse is a part of recovery and if that happens, he or she must lend full support to the partner in getting back on track.
For those seeking recovery from addiction to any harmful substance, detoxification is the initial step to cleanse the body and prepare it for medication and therapy. However, detox can be effective only under the guidance of trained doctors, who can monitor withdrawal symptoms and administer treatment accordingly. If you are looking for help, the Florida Detox Helpline is a good resource to get information on some of the finest detox facilities in Florida in your vicinity. You can call at our 24/7 helpline 855-920-9869 or chat online with one of our associates to get information on some of the renowned Florida detox centers.
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