One of the biggest challenges for a recovering addict is reconnecting with family members after addiction. Having a support network is critical to recovery, yet recovering individuals are likely to feel badly about things that happened during addiction. Those past occurrences can make the weeks and months after rehab that much more difficult and emotional to navigate, but it’s not impossible. If you want to reconnect with family and friends but aren’t sure where to start, The Ranch PA can help. Build Trust Slowly Tearing down trust takes less time than building it back, and that’s why you need to stay patient. The only thing you can do is to follow through and accomplish what you say you will when you say will do it. Did you tell your wife you would pick up milk and eggs at the store on the way home from work? Do it. Did you promise your son you’d go to his home game? Be there. Have you offered to help your mom with the holiday decorations? Make it happen. Establish a record of making reality out of your promises, and you’ll be well on your way to earning trust. Accept Anger One of the biggest things you learned in rehab is that you can’t control other people’s feelings and actions. You can only accept them, and you might be able to slightly influence them if you’re lucky. When you get out of rehab, don’t be surprised if family members are wary of you or angry with you. Time heals most wounds, so keep fulfilling your responsibilities, and you may win them over. Be Grateful If you’re lucky, you had a loved one or two stick by you emotionally when you went to rehab. These family members or friends are your angels! Express your gratefulness in words and deeds, and sing their praises to others. Not only does giving compliments make others feel good, but it makes you feel good as well. Also, stay focused on the things that are going right in your life. Perhaps you have a fulfilling career or a beautiful family. Maybe you made it through addiction without any lasting physical health problems. Demonstrate the attitude of gratitude and others will join in, too. Keep the Good, and Accept the Bad Reliving safer days through fun activities you once enjoyed together is a great way to retie a once-tight bond. Have fun, but don’t simply live in the past, either. If past events concerning your addiction come up, acknowledge them truthfully. Everyone wants to see you succeed, but no one will act like the past didn’t happen — and neither should you. Use the past to work toward a better future. For more information about addiction and recovery, contact The Ranch PA. Photo via
