The Power of Boundary Setting in Addiction Recovery

Boundaries when recovering from Addiction are essential for recovery. You set them and you control them. They are a powerful tool to provide assurance and promote recovery. For some, it may be the first time you have ever had to set them. Saying no is a very important boundary, especially in the context of addiction recovery. To look after others in your sober recovery network, you must be able to look after yourself.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who can give you Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice, call.

Why are Boundaries Important?

If you don’t set boundaries, you run the risk of relapse as your life can become chaotic and stressful. Recovery is a lifelong process and as you transverse through it you will realize that there are things you cannot control in the world around you. Boundary setting in addiction recovery is all about taking care of yourself, ensuring stability.  

When you start your recovery, you will have new experiences and learn new skills. You are making lifelong changes and coming to terms with your situation. It is not always easy to identify what boundaries need to be set when you first start treatment; this can be because you are not used to putting your needs first or considering your own boundaries in addiction recovery. You don’t know how to advocate for yourself, to assert your needs.  

Boundary setting in addiction recovery is about learning new things about yourself while, at the same time, learning to take care of your needs. While the process is about you, this is best done in a group setting because it gives you the power to focus on yourself. You may experience feelings of guilt, which can cause anxiety, but you will learn how to overcome these feelings in the context of recovery.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who can give you Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice, call.

What do positive boundaries in recovery look like?

The first thing to learn is that it is imperative to commit to the process of recovery. It will take time and there will be bumps on the road. Over time you will learn what doesn’t work as well as what does. Setting boundaries is crucial in your addiction recovery journey.  

Our clinicians, from their decades of experience suggest the following:  

• Avoid situations that put you at risk of relapse. For example, if you are addicted to cocaine, do not go to a nightclub or speak to your dealer 

• For the first year, do not make any major life decisions: divorce, moving house, changing careers, etc. Experience shows that those who do simply take their problems with them. You have the rest of your life to do these things.  

• Avoid those close to you who are problematic. You cannot choose your family, but you can choose not to spend time with them. This may be difficult but it might be necessary to sustain abstinence, which is a key part of boundary setting in recovery.  

• Tackle negative thoughts. Repeat positive messages: Daily. Recovery is a daily challenge, sometimes minute by minute. Don’t let the problems of the past cloud your future. Use your support groups, therapist, keyworker.  

• Get a full night’s sleep, eat healthily, and regularly. Take a rest. Do not let anyone, or anything, get in the way of this.  

• Stay away from social media for at least 4 months: Focus on you.  

• Stick to your boundaries. You have now taken control whereas, before, your addiction controlled you, this is a fundamental aspect of setting boundaries in recovery.  

• Speak to people who have been in recovery for longer than you have.  

Is it going to be difficult?

Recovery is going to be a new experience for you. It will be challenging, stressful (at times) so don’t be afraid to use the experiences of those who have been doing it longer. Tap into this resource. Many key workers in local authority services have been in recovery for years. You may want to have a sponsor from a 12-step group. When you first start you may want daily contact, which you can reduce as time goes on.  

Don’t be afraid to step aside from someone who is testing your boundaries. A friend may badger you to go to a club with them, for example. You know that this is likely to trigger a relapse so, for the sake of your recovery, give yourself permission to say no. For example, if you were recovering from major surgery and a friend asked you to go running with them, you would have to say no: There is no difference. Addiction is an extremely serious illness, with a high mortality rate, so any opportunity to enhance your recovery you must grab, especially when it involves boundary setting.  

Keeping to the boundaries you set for yourself is the highest form of self-respect. It will seem very awkward, initially, saying no: It is a skill that can be learned. Remember: Addiction takes control of you, your body, mind, and behavior. You are now taking control back, a crucial aspect of establishing boundaries in addiction recovery.  

Self respect

Adhering to our boundaries in recovery is a form of respect that you have for yourself. You are recovering now! Sometimes what is toxic to you is not toxic to someone else. Again, saying no and shutting the door in situations may seem awkward at first, but it’s important to learn how to defend your well-being during addiction recovery. It’s okay to realize that the situation you are in is beyond your control and is unmanageable. Accept this and move forward. Get help and respect others and their opinions. 

If a situation is going to be difficult: Avoid it, as best you can. You will thank yourself later. Boundary setting is crucial for successful addiction recovery journey completion.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians who can give you Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice. If you need Free Clinician Drug Advice, call.

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