Addiction and Relationships
Addiction within a family leads to difficulties in relationships. Attempts to hide a drinking or using problem and the associated behaviours creates an environment of suspicion and mistrust. Stealing from those they love, lying about where the money went, or why they didn't turn up for that important event is common and eventually creates distance between the addict and those that love them. In an act of self preservation, that can mean keeping them at arms length. Becoming isolated in addiction is a common situation both for the person using and family members. Addiction causes isolation, recovery is about connection.
The whole picture
The video below is a Ted talk from 2015. Robert Waldinger explains the results of a unique study of a group of people. Updated annually, the study follows them from early teens until old age. The results in terms of health and happiness are profound. The study found that those that had formed and cultivated healthy relationships were more satisfied with their lives. They also were healthier and lived longer. Though not a unique perspective, this is the first and only study which has come to this conclusion based upon a study of the whole of a group of mens' lives.
Addiction and fellowship
It is no secret that addicts in recovery, whether they are part of a fellowship such as AA or NA, or engage with other recovery groups find strength and a sense of belonging in those relationships. There is no doubt that freedom from addiction is more likely to succeed when these bonds are established than when an addict tries to make it alone. The focus then of a person in recovery has to be in part, on their relationships. Propagating healthy loving relationships, is what has given the Harvard study group members the best rewards. A very interesting video which is worth the 15 minutes to watch. Please feel free to share and comment on this post and if you would like more information about the services we provide at Treatment Link, or would like us to help with an addiction problem, contact us today!