Recovery from addiction can be a fragile state in its early stages. The recovering addict is dealing with cravings and temptations, trying to reintegrate into their everyday routines without the substance abuse that plagued them before treatment, and the threat of relapse can be intense at times. And this threat can seem even more pronounced for the recovering addict if they do not do their best to divest themselves from situations, encounters and even relationships that are still entwined in their mind with addiction and substance abuse. Only by setting boundaries can you, the recovering addict, be certain of protecting your recovery journey.
On leaving rehab, the recovering addict will soon discover there are some things they cannot encounter or enjoy anymore without being reminded most uncomfortably of their addiction. Certain places or activities will no longer be innocent locations or pastimes, but will instead be haunted by the specter of substance abuse.
Perhaps the addict like to partake of drugs while doing something, or before going to certain places. Perhaps they drank heavily at a certain restaurant, or took a hit of an illicit drug before watching a certain movie. Now, going to that restaurant or watching that movie will be stark reminders of past addictive behaviors and will no longer be things the recovering addict can enjoy. They may have to cut those things out of their life to prioritize their sobriety.
This can be true even of people. Friends who you mostly spent time with under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be people you want to spend time with now if you’re trying to remain sober. This is especially true if the only connection you had was a shared substance abuse problem, but even if it’s just incidental, you may have to cut ties with some people to preserve your own health.
This process of setting boundaries is a vital one. The only way not to stumble into triggers that activate cravings all the time is by carefully setting boundaries that remove as many potential triggers from your everyday life as possible. It won’t be perfect or airtight. You’ll still run into things by accident that may set off cravings and present temptations, and that’s what your coping techniques are for. But you’ll need those techniques much less with proper boundaries set in advance.
At Good Landing Recovery, the need to set boundaries is emphasized, so the recovering addict knows it is something they must do soon after leaving rehab. With strong boundaries in place, relapse can be better avoided in many situations.
It won’t always be comfortable. You’ll have to push people away you may have truly valued. You may have to remove hobbies you loved or media you adored from your life to avoid the dangers of relapse. It will sometimes be quite painful. But it will also be important and invaluable in the long run.
By setting boundaries to protect your recovery journey, you can be better prepared for random triggers, sudden cravings and dangerous temptations. Good Landing can help. Give them a call today.