While maintaining relationships in recovery is important, not all types are conducive to a sober lifestyle. In fact, negative relationships can do much more damage than we think. Once you have completed drug or alcohol addiction treatment at our Christian-based rehab, it is now time to transition back into everyday life with your sacred sobriety. During this time, you have to reassess the people you’re closest to and the relationships you have in your life. Are they positive, or are they negative? We’re sharing more on avoiding toxic relationships in recovery and how they can make a difference.

How Toxicity Perpetuates Addiction

Due to the fact that people are in toxic relationships and these individuals may use drugs or alcohol to deal with the stress and trauma they encounter, toxic relationships can have a significant impact on the cycle of addiction. It can become difficult for people to remove themselves from damaging ties as a result of substance misuse, which can reinforce toxic relationship patterns as well.

Additionally, unhealthy relationships may increase the likelihood of initially becoming addicted in the first place. These relationships' accompanying emotional discomfort, instability, and trauma can cause feelings of loneliness, worry, and depression, all of which can raise the risk of turning to substance misuse as a coping mechanism. Toxic relationship patterns can be reinforced by addiction, which can make it increasingly more challenging for people to get help and end the cycle of abuse. This can lead to a hazardous spiral.

There are even people out there who find themselves struggling with an addiction to toxic relationships. Addiction to toxic relationships is a compulsive pattern of behavior that is challenging to overcome, much like addiction to drugs or alcohol. Even when they are aware that the relationship is hurting them, these people may find themselves drawn to partners who are persistently violent, emotionally unavailable, or they frequently act in other unhealthy ways. Despite the drawbacks of the relationship, they may have a strong emotional bond with their partner.

Due to the fact that this addiction is frequently based on ingrained emotional problems and behavioral patterns that can be tricky to recognize and address, an addiction like this can be tough to overcome. To break free from the cycle of violence and dysfunction and learn how to create healthy, rewarding relationships, those who are addicted to toxic relationships may need professional assistance. It's crucial to spot the warning symptoms of toxic relationship addiction and get support to deal with these problems before they worsen.

The Danger of Toxic Relationships in Recovery

People who are recovering from addiction may suffer the most from toxic relationships. Relapse can be brought on by the stress and emotional instability that come with toxic relationships because people may use drugs or alcohol to cope. Toxic relationships can also obstruct a person's progress in recovery by engendering emotions of guilt, shame, and low self-worth, all of which can be risk factors for relapse.

Furthermore, unhealthy relationships can damage a person's support system, which is essential for preserving sobriety. It can be difficult for people to maintain their motivation and focus on their recovery goals when partners or family members exhibit negative influences or unsupportive actions. Additionally, toxic interactions can foster a climate that is unsuitable for healing, making it more challenging for people to maintain sobriety and advance in their recovery. In order to stay on track and maintain long-term sobriety, it is crucial for people in addiction recovery to look for healthy relationships and create a solid support network.

Recovering from addiction comes with many challenges and hardships. Deciding to get the help you need to overcome any addiction will completely change your life and save you.

Warning Signs of a Toxic Relationship

During recovery, you are going to go through many changes. It’s important to know how to identify toxicity in your new way of life. If you feel that someone close to you is manipulating you or constantly bringing drama to your life, this is toxicity, and it should not be mixed in with your recovery efforts.

If you have a friend who only thinks about themselves and/or puts you in uncomfortable situations, this is not someone to associate with in recovery. You can also identify negative relationships by how you feel when you are around this person. If you feel insecure or controlled, these are clear indications that this is not a supportive friend.

Other common warning signs of toxic relationships include: 

• Everything is about them
• They’re jealous or controlling
• They don’t respect your boundaries
• They isolate you from loved ones
• They’re manipulative
• They often expect you to do things their way
• They don’t consider your feelings when making important decisions
• You feel trapped in your relationship
• You feel like you can’t live without them

Remember that any relationship can be toxic, not just romantic ones. Not only is it important to disconnect from people who encouraged your drug use or drinking before treatment, but also to break relationships that may pressure you or stress you out to the point of relapse.

Toxic Relationships and Drug Addiction Recovery 

Negative influences on your life can bring about stress. Such stress will only cause destruction and potential relapse, and enduring a toxic relationship in recovery can cause emotional turmoil. This can be very dangerous for your overall health and well-being when you are new to recovery.   

While it may be difficult, avoiding toxic relationships in recovery – and breaking even the longest of relationships – can positively contribute to your long-term sobriety. Remember that the habits and behaviors of those we spend the most time with greatly impact us. Spending time with someone who’s constantly shutting you down, disrespecting your boundaries, or even treating you poorly, will take its toll.

If you feel “stuck” in a bad relationship or need guidance for getting out of it, our residential Christian drug rehab can help you with toxic relationship recovery. Our facility not only offers addiction treatment, but we also offer individual faith counseling to provide clients a spiritual perspective on managing relationships with others.

While we encourage you to prune your life of negative relationships, we understand that guidance can help diminish the stress and discomfort that comes with the process. For more information about our Christ-centered addiction treatment and relapse prevention tactics, call Faith in Recovery today at 888-280-4763. 

Related Reading: 

What the Bible Says About Alcohol Abuse

Foods That Reduce Alcohol Cravings