Supporting a loved one through recovery from substance use disorder is challenging but rewarding. One of the most crucial parts of recovery is setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Understanding how to establish these boundaries can not only aid in the recovery process but also promote healthier, more balanced relationships.
At Phoenix House Florida’s alcohol abuse treatment center in Brandon, we understand the importance of setting boundaries and will provide support and resources during your loved one’s recovery journey. The following steps can help you better understand what healthy boundaries look like and how to set them moving forward.
Definition of Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries are clearly defined, respectful limits that clarify how we interact with others and ourselves. Healthy boundaries maintain a sense of personal space, ensuring that your relationship with your loved one throughout recovery remains supportive rather than draining, or dependent.
Furthermore, setting healthy boundaries means defining what behaviors are acceptable and which ones are not. These behaviors can encompass emotional and physical aspects of the relationship and can be vital in ensuring recovery progresses.
Difference Between Healthy Boundaries and Enabling Behavior
As an alcohol abuse treatment center in Brandon, we have a clear understanding of the differences between healthy boundaries and enabling behavior. It is important to distinguish between these two as healthy boundaries aid in recovery and creates a supportive environment, while enabling behaviors can inadvertently support addictive behavior or shield the individual from the consequences of their actions. These behaviors can include covering up for them, providing financial support that fuels substance use, or tolerating harmful behavior to avoid conflict.
In contrast, healthy boundaries foster respect and mutual understanding. These boundaries set limits that encourage personal responsibility and growth without compromising one’s values or well-being. They do not mean withdrawing support but rather offering support in a way that promotes recovery and fosters an open and honest environment.
Common Boundaries to Set
Delivering the highest quality of care through programs like alcohol addiction treatment in Brandon, here are some of the most common boundaries we recommend setting with your loved one in recovery.
- Emotional Boundaries: Establish what level of emotional support you are comfortable providing. It is important to show empathy without getting to the point where you are emotionally overwhelmed.
- Financial Boundaries: Clearly define your financial limits. Consider supporting them by providing help in accessing resources or services that aid their recovery rather than directly giving them money.
- Behavioral Boundaries: Determine what behaviors you are unwilling to tolerate, such as lying, dishonesty, or aggression. Clearly communicating these will not be tolerated firmly but compassionately to set expectations through your loved one’s recovery.
Placing these boundaries ensures you remain in a positive headspace and can continue supporting your loved ones while protecting your well-being. Balancing support with clear, respectful limits ensures a sustainable relationship between you and your loved one and contributes to the success of their recovery.
For more information about alcohol addiction treatment in Brandon, give us a call at (813) 881-1000 or request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website do not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.