How to Reconnect with Family After Addiction

Posted February 3, 2021

In Clearbrook Treatment Centers Pennsylvania, Family Resources, Personal Resources, Sober Living

How to Reconnect with Family After Addiction

One of the biggest challenges recovering addicts face is rebuilding relationships after rehab. They often feel guilt, shame, or embarrassment about their past behavior and how it affected their loved ones. These negative feelings may hold them back from repairing broken relationships. There are also addicts in recovery who simply don’t know how to reconnect with family after addiction. Even if they’re willing, they may be unsure of how to approach the situation. Our drug rehab in Pennsylvania knows how difficult it can be to take this step in recovery, and that’s why we wanted to offer some helpful tips.

How to Rebuild Your Relationship with Family After Rehab

A big part of finding purpose in recovery is reconnecting with family after rehab. Unfortunately, this process isn’t always easy. The fear of rejection or family drama can prevent you from taking that step towards repairing broken relationships. But if you’ve been in addiction counseling, then you probably know how important family support is in recovery. Not only will your support system expand, but you can also enjoy the love and closeness that may result from that reconnection. If you’re looking to learn how to reconnect with family after addiction, below are some great tips for rebuilding family relationships.

Reach out and ask if they want to meet in person over lunch or dinner.

The best way to approach a family member or friend you want to reconnect with is by simply asking them if they want to go out for a bite to eat. This can be via phone, text, or even email. Going out to eat is usually less awkward than strictly meeting to have a conversation. Any awkward pauses can be filled with eating or drinking water. Yes, these are minor details, but the distraction of these nuances as well as being in a public place can make both parties feel comfortable.

Be prepared for them to be upset with you.

While you may be more than happy and willing to repair any damage caused by addiction, the other person may not reciprocate those feelings. The other individual may still be upset over hurtful things you may have said or done in the past. If they’re still upset, apologize, let them know you want to work on rebuilding your relationship, and then give them space.

Support your words with your actions.

As the popular saying goes, actions speak louder than words, and you have to support your claims with your behavior. It’s common for addicts to lie during active addiction, so your loved ones may be hesitant to believe your genuine desire to make amends. Stay consistent in your actions to show them that you’re dedicated to making positive changes.

Do not surprise them or show up unannounced.

Showing up unannounced to the other party’s place of work or home can be stressful for everyone involved. It can even scare the other person, especially if there’s any history of violence between you two. You never want to make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Instead, reach out through phone, text, or email asking if they’d be willing to get together to talk. If they don’t respond or say “no,” then give them their space.

We know that addiction is also hard on the addict’s loved ones. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we offer a family program that offers counseling to loved ones of addicts. We’re dedicated to both the health and happiness of the individual and those closest to them.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental illness, call us now at 570-536-9621 for more information about our addiction treatment programs.