Life has its ups and downs. It is hard to think clearly sometimes about what to do. Often, the top priority is to regain the trust of loved ones. It is important to make amends with family and friends while having them feel you are worthy of trust. This is no easy feat. your loved ones may feel hurt enough to not want to have anything to do with you, but you have to consider their feelings, too. Your loved ones want to trust you. It can happen, with some patience and effort.
Mind Your Words
What you say matters. Everyone will be watching closely to see what you say and what you do match up. Without follow-through, people will not believe anything you say. This is your chance to demonstrate every day you are going to keep your word. Keep up with post-treatment plans and show them how you take this very seriously. Also make sure to attend meetings, show up for work, and be a person they can look up to again. It takes work but is worth it to build trust again (and regain those relationships).
Communicate Openly
It is hard to talk to someone with an addiction. They are not likely to be able to speak openly about their issues and face the challenges head-on. Until they go into recovery, you are not likely to be able to feel communication lines are open. When you share feelings, thoughts, hopes, and ideas, you are putting yourself out there. Family counseling is one way to find support for dysfunctional dynamics, but also to provide the family with tools that encourage healthy, positive communication.
Be Consistent
When you are consistent, it shows. It shows to employers, loved ones, and new friends that you are serious about recovery. Addiction makes people very inconsistent. They are spiraling out of control one minute, and telling people they have it all under control the next. You can make a commitment to rebuilding your health and be serious about recovery by sticking with routine and being consistent.
Be Patient
Nothing happens overnight. You will not rebuild trust with loved ones or regain lost friendships quickly. It takes patience and understanding. It takes a mindset to heal and restore trust with loved ones over time. Feelings may be hurt, but over time, those memories subside and make way for newer, happy ones. It is going to be a lengthy, but worthwhile, process, to earn trust back. Work at it one day at a time and you will reap the rewards.
A Step in the Right Direction supports people with addiction. We offer individual and family counseling for those in rehab. Our goal is to provide you with tools that help you navigate recovery and find healing for broken relationships. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702
