Setting boundaries with loved ones who are in active addiction treatment is crucial for both their recovery and your well-being. At Evolve Indy, we understand the importance of boundaries and work with our clients to establish them as part of our treatment program.
Communication
One of the first boundaries that should be set is around communication. During the early stages of addiction treatment, it’s common for loved ones to want to check in constantly to see how the person is doing.
While this may come from a place of concern, it can also be overwhelming for the person in treatment. They need space and time to focus on their recovery without constant distractions. Setting a designated time for check-ins, such as a weekly phone call, can help balance the need for communication with the need for privacy.
Financial Support
Another important boundary to set is financial support. It’s natural to want to help a loved one in need, but enabling their addiction by giving them money or paying their bills can do more harm than good.
It’s important to have a clear and open conversation about financial boundaries and stick to them. This includes setting limits on the amount of money you’re willing to lend and setting specific terms for repayment.
Addressing Behavior
Setting boundaries also includes addressing the behavior of a loved one in active addiction. This can be difficult, but it’s important to make it clear that certain actions will not be tolerated, such as stealing from you or being verbally or physically abusive.
Having a conversation about these boundaries, and then following through with consequences if they are crossed, is an important step in setting a foundation for healthy relationships.
Respecting Boundaries
In addition to setting boundaries for yourself, it’s also important to respect the boundaries that your loved ones set for themselves during their treatment. This might include requesting space or privacy, or not wanting to talk about certain aspects of their addiction. It’s important to honor their requests and respect their autonomy in recovery.
Why Boundaries?
While setting boundaries can be difficult, it’s important to remember that they are a necessary part of recovery. They provide a framework for healthy communication and support, and they help establish a foundation for long-term recovery. At Evolve Indy, we work with our clients to establish clear boundaries and empower them to maintain them as they work toward recovery.
It’s also important to be supportive and understanding, but firm and consistent. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing illness and it can be a long journey, therefore having boundaries in place will make it clear what is accepted and what isn’t, providing a sense of safety and stability in the process of recovery.
In Conclusion
Setting boundaries when loved ones are in active addiction treatment is crucial for their recovery and well-being. Communicating clearly, setting financial limits, addressing problematic behavior, respecting personal boundaries, and being supportive and understanding, while being firm and consistent can make a huge difference in the recovery journey.
And at Evolve Indy, we understand the importance of boundaries and work with our clients to establish them as part of our treatment program.